Index
- 'From Alexandria'. Daily National Intelligence (Washington DC) 18 June 1862 (issue 15,552), column D
- 'Fugitive-slave case in Alexandria'. Philadelphia Press, Saturday 28 June 1862, page 1
'From Alexandria'
[source: 'From Alexandria'. Daily National Intelligence (Washington DC) 18 June 1862 (issue 15,552), column D]FROM ALEXANDRIA.
Correspondence of the National Intelligencer.
ALEXANDRIA, (VA.) JUNE 17, 1862
Some time ago a company of patriotic ladies, principally the wives of our mechanics, presented to the "Union Club of Alexandria" a beautiful national flag, 13 by 25 feet. The Club highly appreciated the gift, and determined to display it in the centre of a strong line, which extends from the third story of the City Hotel to the northwest section of the venerable City Hall building. This arrangement was exceedingly appropriate, for the illustrious WASHINGTON often adjourned [sic] in that identical hotel, and frequently passed under the roof of the latter on his way into the time-honored Masonic Lodge room. This was the day for the ceremony, and the officers of the club--Jefferson Tacey, president; James T. Close, vice president; Edwin Henry, secretary; and Robert Wade, with other members--proved their good taste and efficiency in every respect.
The spacious room in the City Hall was well arranged. The excellent Mayor McKENZIE, who possesses such a happy combination of qualities for that important office at this trying period, was present, and all were pleased to welcome the presence of Col. Gregory, the energetic and popular Provost Marshal of Alexandria. Gen. Cook, who, we believe, is assigned to the command of the Camp of Instruction, near Cloud's Mills; Col. Bagley, of New York, who fought bravely at the battle of Bull Run, and is again in the field; Gilbert S. Miner, Esq., our delegate to the Virginia Legislature, and other gentlemen, military and civil, besides a concourse of patriotic, intelligent, and handsome ladies. The entire assemblage was also enlivened by the spirit-stirring music of the drum corps of the Ninety-first Regiment Volunteers.
At the appointed hour the flag was thrown to the breeze with great eclat, and eloquent speeches were delivered by the brave Gen. Cooke and Col. Gregory. On the conclusion of the ceremonies a handsome will-timed [sic] collation was spread and partaken of in true democratic style. The drum corps performed other pieces of music subsequently, and then marched to their quarters in the post office building.
The Government has found it indispensable to take possession of the Baptist, Grace, St. Paul's, Friends, and Second Presbyterian churches, to be used as hospitals for sick and disabled soldiers. They are now being fitted up accordingly. Doubtless every care will be taken of the property, and the owners will lose nothing thereby. The Episcopal Seminary, on the beautiful Heights of Alexandria, is also being arranged for a calm and beautiful retreat, where at least a thousand wounded and sick soldiers can be comforted and properly attended to by skilled physicians.
A suggestion: The person having charge of the curiosities in the City Hall would do well to attend at certain hours each day, when the soldiers would cheerfully pay a trifle for admission, and be much gratified thereby.
Another: Col. Gregory would unquestionably highly appreciate the support and smiles of some of our Alexandria ladies, who now express so much indignation at his every official act. They probably do not know that he is an officer of distinguished merit, a gentleman of highest bearing, and in every thing aims to secure the greatest possible protection and privileges to the citizens of Alexandria.
M.'Fugitive-slave case in Alexandria'
['Fugitive-slave case in Alexandria'. Philadelphia Press, Saturday 28 June 1862, page 1][source: ActivePaper Archive, Penn State University (viewed 8 November 2008)]
Fugitive-Slave Case in Alexandria
John Hunter, a citizen of Prince George's county, in the State of Maryland, applied to Lewis McKenzie, a justice of the peace of Alexandria county, Virginia, for a warrant to arrest certain slaves of his, supposed to be in this city. Having taken [sic] and subscribed the following oath, required before the magistrate would grant a warrant:
State of Virginia, Alexandria County: I, John Hunter, of the county of Prince George, in the State of Maryland, solemnly swear that I am a true and loyal citizen of the United States, and that I will support the Constitution thereof as the supreme law of the land, and that I will, to the extent of my abilities, uphold and maintain it. I will, to the utmost of my power, give information of every danger which may threaten it; so help me God.
JOHN HUNTER.Sworn to before me, this 21st day of June, 1862.
LEWIS McKENZIE, J.P.A warrant was accordingly granted, and one of Mr. Hunter's negroes, on Saturday last, was apprehended, and the officers were conveying him to the ferry-boat for transportation home, there being no doubt of its [sic] being Mr. Hunter's servant, from the evidence of parties present, satisfactory to the magistrate. Not pleased with the summary proceedings of the parties executing the warrant, the negro refused to accompany them, when they essayed gentle "coercion." This, not meeting the approbation of the negro, was creating some excitement, and promised to lead to serious difficulty, when some of the provost guard interposed and carried the case before Colonel Gregory, the provost marshal, who retained possession of the negro until the 23d, when a decision was rendered. After receiving the statements of Mayor McKenzie, Mr. Hunter and his friends, the negro and others, in connection with the report of the guard, the marshal refused to acknowledge the claim of Mr. Hunter, and released the man, stating that he would not permit the arrest of any fugitive from labor while in command of this post, thus setting aside the lawful authority of the State of Virginia. The case will be reported to the President at an early day.--News, June 24.
'Alexandria'
['lexandria', [Baltimore] Sun 27 June 1862, page 4]Alexandria.--At Alexandria a difference has occurred between the military and civil authorities relative to the rendition of a fugitive slave belonging to Mr. John Hunter, of Prince George's county, Md. Mr. H. having taken the oath of allegiance to the United States, obtained a warrant from Mr. McKenzie for the arrest of his runaway slave, which arrest was effected; the negro, however, was subsquently taken from the civil officers by soldiers, and the case carried before Colonel Gregory, the United States provost marshal, who declined to deliver the runaway to his owner, and released him from custody. It is said that the matter is to be laid before the President in Washington.