The Diary of Michael Shiner Relating to the History of the Washington Navy Yard 1813-1869.Transcribed With Introduction and Notes by John G. Sharp (12 October 2007). |
Preface
The Education of Michael Shiner
Notes on Transcription
Acknowledgements
Bibliography
Diary of Michael Shiner
Note
Source of Manuscript
Michael Shiner was born in Maryland in 1805 and his early years were spent enslaved. He appears to have come to the District of Columbia about 1812. In January 1828, he was sold to Thomas Howard Sr. (Chief Clerk of the Washington Navy Yard). Thomas Howard had Michael Shiner leased out to the WNY Paint Shop where over the next decade, Michael Shiner, learned his trade. On Thomas Howard's death in 1832 a provision in his will stipulated that Michael Shiner was to be manumitted in eight years making his manumission date circa 1840 (his exact manumission date is unknown).
To gain his freedom Michael Shiner most likely came to some financial arrangement with the Howard family; such arrangements were often known as "working out" or purchasing one's freedom for a specified sum. The 1850 District of Columbia census enumerated Michael Shiner as living in Ward 6 and in that year he was listed as a free Blackman age 46 years. His family was listed as: Jane 19 years (2nd wife), Sarah 12, Isaac 5 and Braxton 6 months. Michael Shiner continued to work at WNY until sometime after 1870. In his later years he became a prosperous businessman, took an active role in Republican Party politics, and was a leader in the black community. He died in 1880 at the age of 75 during an outbreak of smallpox.
Michael Shiner opens his diary in 1813 the year of the British invasion of North America. We know from other evidence that in 1813, he was only eight or nine years old. Because of this, what we have for this first section of his manuscript is an important narrative memoir in which Michael Shiner recollects the important events he had witnessed in his youth but, wrote down many years later. What Michael Shiner wrote in "his book" was apparently simply for his own remembrance. In his Diary, Michael Shiner concentrates primarily on the public events in his life along with some limited but important personal incidents.
Many of Michael Shiner's observations can be compared with other contemporary records and in each case they ring genuine; from his description of the gleam of British soldiers' bayonets to his recounting of painful conversations with such people as "Mrs. Reid" (see August 1814). Some of his early passages do strongly suggest that they were later reworked to provide additional detail, for example, the lengthy descriptions of the District of Columbia militia units, the colors of the soldier's uniforms and the names of their unit members. His recounting of the launches of the U.S.S. Columbus and the Saint Louis(see his entries for the years 1819, page 17 and 1828, page 27) imply that this part of his manuscipt was finished as late as 1867). Some information in the diary, including militia unit member's names, could only have been listed after the events had been recorded. On these and similar occasions Michael Shiner appears to have read and incorporated contemporary newspaper accounts such as those found in the Washington Intelligencer for some events (e.g. U.S. Mexican War 1846 -1848 and the Civil War 1861-1865).
After describing the British troop withdrawal at the conclusion of the War of 1812 Michael Shiner goes on to other entries chronicling the daily routine at the Navy Yard. In these entries he provides illuminating and important details of early working conditions and social attitudes at WNY toward slaves and freeman. The Shiner diary also allows modern readers glimpses of evolving military/civilian relationships and the struggles of early federal workers for better pay and conditions of employment.
The Diary entries provide a valuable account of the volatility of the early District of Columbia, especially the crucial events of the year 1835. Here within the Diary we have an important and unique account of the WNY labor strike which sadly and rapidly morphed into the "Snow Storm" of 1835 (see page 60). This was a bitter race riot that required the active intervention of President Andrew Jackson and a strong contingent of U.S. Marines to finally bring under control.
Occasionally to relieve the pressure and pain of his everyday existence Michael Shiner like many ship yard workers drank too much and when he did (24 & 25 December 1828 page 30-32), June 17, 1831 (pages 41-44) & September 6, 1835 page 66) he records some very close calls with law enforcement (page 30-32) and some angry white workers. As a result of these near catastrophes, he took the temperance pledge. On December 4, 1836 (page 74) he gave up liquor for good. Michael Shiner's diary includes vivid descriptions of other perils early shipyard workers endured. In one particular harrowing incident on February 20 1829 (page 35) while working in a small boat he fell overboard and nearly drowned in the icy cold waters of the Potomac River and as a result, later came close to freezing to death as he and his colleagues desperately searched for a fire. In other passages he shifts perspective and casts a careful eye to the heavens where he records notable celestial events such as total eclipses of the sun on February 12, 1831 (page 40) and the Denali Comet of 1858 (page 168).
Lastly, what the manuscript conveys best is Michael Shiner's genuine love of the Washington Navy Yard, his city and his country; all of this is evident throughout his manuscript (See particularly his entry for June 1 1861 on page 178). After his death the diary (circa 1905) came into the possession of the Library of Congress. Inside the manuscript its donor annotated it with the following tribute which nicely captures the man and his work: "This book is a very valuable book and is very interesting. It is worthy of perusal. The author Michael Shiner was a Patriot may he rest in peace." (Michael Shiner manuscript postscript undated n.p.)
Michael Shiner's primary purpose in writing his diary appears to have been his strong desire to record the public events of his time. Recording those events that he wanted to preserve, Shiner seems to have little need to say anything about his life prior to his first entries in 1813. With only a few exceptions he writes very little about his state of mind, immediate family, marriage, children, other family members or his finances. From the manuscript we have no references at all to his parentage nor does he ever state how he became literate. Many of these omissions may be his deliberate but unstated desire as an antebellum slave and freeman to closely guard his safety, his privacy, and to maintain some distance from painful memories. While the Slave Code for District of Columbia in force during much of Michael Shiner's lifetime (1805-1880) did not make teaching slaves to read and write illegal, both District of Columbia custom and practice strongly discourage such actions.
How did Michael Shiner learn to read and write? Fortunately we have two important clues; the first is an 1870 Department of Education of the District of Columbia Special Report. This official report and history of the District public school system relates (with remarkable candor for its time) the segregated history of education in early Washington D.C. The report is quite clear that due to the race laws of the antebellum era, the only schools that most African Americans could legally enter were church Sunday schools. The report then goes on to list Michael Shiner as an actual example of one of the many individuals who learned to read and write in this manner:
"The Sabbath School among the colored people in those times differed from the institution as organized among whites as it embraced young and old and most of the time was given not to studying of the Bible but to learning to read. It was the only school which for a time they were allowed to enter.
First Presbyterian Church of Washington at the foot of Capitol Hill opened a Sunday school for colored people in 1826 which held regular meetings every Sunday evening for years and in it many men women and children learned their alphabet and to read the bible. Michael Shiner one of the most remarkable colored men of the District who remembers almost everything that occurred at the Navy Yard during his service of some 60 years there is of this number."2
Second, it is clear from the report the Michael Shiner was by 1870 a well known and respected figure. While he learned to read and write through the church Sunday school programs, he may have had further occasions to gain literacy on the Washington Navy Yard its self. The report relates that Michael Tabb a white teacher with abolitionist leanings kept a small school at the Yard where "he taught in the afternoons under a large tree and large numbers of colored children attended this school." The report goes on to describe how Sailing Master Dove's wife Margaret Dove, helped teach at this school and that one of her pupils was Alexander Hays. Like Michael Shiner, Alexander Hays, went on to eventually purchase his own freedom and to become a leader in the black community. In this tightly knit community, Michael Shiner and Alexander Hays almost certainly knew each other and most likely their mutual acquaintance was formed at the Washington Navy Yard. In his diary, Michael Shiner, notes Sailing Master Dove on a number of occasions and apparently held him in high regard, although far from certain, it is indeed possible, that Michael Shiner may well have spent what free time he could in lessons with Michael Tabb and Margaret Dove.
The Context of the Michael Shiner's Diary Slavery and the Organizational Structure of the Washington Navy Yard 1820 -1865
Michael Shiner's diary depicts a world which while similar to ours in many surface aspects is vastly different. That our national past "is another country" is today readily accepted and has become something of a cliché yet it must be stressed that for much of the first century and a half of the Washington Navy Yard's existence those who worked in the Yard's shops and offices lived in an environment that was often dramatically dissimilar to our present. Throughout much of the fifty-six years covered in Michael Shiner's manuscript for the thousands of labors and mechanics who toiled at the Washington Navy Yard, poverty and financial insecurity were not vague conditions. Slavery was a legal institution, and the majority of the adult population of Washington D.C. had only limited or no political rights. In the Shiner Diary we gain a window on the values and attitudes of his era. In the Diary, we see reflected the conflict of beliefs and ideas by citizens of the District of Columbia, some who advocated strict social hierarchy, racial subordination and deference to ones "betters" while mechanics and workers white and black, free and enslaved, sought a more inclusive and just society.
The early Washington Navy Yard reflected the larger stratified society. At the very pinnacle of the naval yard was the Washington Navy Yard Commandant (e.g. men like Commodores Thomas Tingey and Isaac Hull). Directly below the Commandant was another senior officer who acted much like a modern executive officer. This officer provided the workforce with day to day direction through implementing orders and insured the Commandant's wishes were carried out. During most of this period that officer was a senior First Lieutenant although in some instances a naval Captain (e.g. John Cassin) performed similar duties.
From its rough beginnings in 1799, WNY civilians far out numbered military members and for much of this period, there was only a small cadre of naval officers permanently assigned to the Yard at any one time. Some officers such as Marmaduke Dove (Sailing Master) or David Eaton (Boatswain) were assigned for long periods because they possessed special technical skills critical to the manufacture of early sailing vessels.
While the WNY Commandant in theory exercised almost unlimited authority over all matters related to naval officers, enlisted personnel, and the civilian workforce; in practice there were both institutional and customary checks on his decision making. At the top of the civilian workforce were the yard clerks. Their jobs were primarily administrative in nature. A clerk such as Thomas Howard (Michael Shiner's master from 1828) who was the Chief Clerk was near the very top of WNY civilian hierarchy and was paid a fixed or annual salary. As Chief Clerk, Thomas Howard had considerable responsibility in a position which shared little relation to our modern clerical employees. Thomas Howard was responsible for the WNY's official correspondence, the conduct and recording of the daily musters, and the review of all official outgoing correspondence. Most importantly Howard and other clerks often acted for the Commandant on budget, contracting, and administrative issues; here they exercised wide discretion within their particular domains. Thomas Howard's steady salary rather then per diem wage meant he enjoyed a modicum of financial security and access to a wider social sphere than the mechanics and laborers. The clerks could often afford to rent or own a house, keep horses, employ servants, and in some cases own slaves. The 1830 census for the District of Columbia reflects that Thomas Howard owned his home, supported a large family, and had four other slaves in addition to Michael Shiner.
A further distinction between naval yard clerks such as Thomas Howard and the WNY mechanics and laborers was political. The early District of Columbia's municipal charter narrowly defined voters as white male property owners this effectively excluded most all white mechanics and laborers and all blacks and all women. This limited form of white male suffrage would continue until 1848 with black males remaining effectively excluded from the franchise until after the civil war and women until the passage of 19th amendment in 1920. The next tier in the civilian hierarchy (below the Chief Clerk) was the Master Mechanics. Each trade had a Master Mechanic. These individuals were recognized experts in their specialty and usually had many years of trade experience. Master Mechanics often supervised large numbers of employees. Men such as Benjamin King (Master Blacksmith) or Phillip Inch (Master Painter and Michael Shiner's day to day supervisor) controlled large numbers of employees. Within each WNY shop it was the Master Mechanic who gave overall work direction through the Quarterman and Lead man to the tradesman. Most importantly Master Mechanics had the power to hire and dismiss mechanics and laborers. Next in order of importance came the Quarterman (leader of several work crews) then the lead man (or crew leader) next came the trade mechanics. Mechanics were skilled tradesman who had successfully completed a five or six year trade apprenticeship in their field. Each trade had trainees or apprentices who were young workers in training. Each apprentice had signed a binding legal agreement to return designated service for trade knowledge. Laborers were below the mechanics and were unskilled men who performed heavy but necessary work such as digging, pile driving, and pulling or hauling of ships and ship parts.
From the nation's founding slavery was an integral and legally recognized part of the new United States and slaves made up a significant but generally unacknowledged part of the WNY's antebellum workforce. At the WNY most African-Americans (free and enslaved) were confined to unpleasant less skilled work (e.g. laborer caulking or working in the anchor shop). White mechanics and laborers frequently resented and feared their African-American coworkers and were especially apprehensive of those enslaved; many saw this population as a direct threat to their livelihood (WNY Blacksmith's petition of 1812). 3 Michael Shiner's diary entries give us occasional glimpses of slavery's casual brutality. A brutality to which even the most trusted slaves; such as Commodore Thomas Tingey's young footman could be subjected to when after his late arrival he was disciplined with a "starter" (See 1828 page 27). The Shiner Diary starkly reveals the sudden and terrible events that could break a black family as when Michael Shiner's wife Phillis and their three young children were abducted by slave dealers and placed in a notorious slave pen in Alexandria VA (They were taken off the public streets just a few blocks from the navy yard, see page 53 entry for 5 June 1833).
At the Yard white workers with free and enslaved African Americans worked together for the most part in uneasy tension. Michael Shiner's diary entries capture this anxiety especially in the dramatic events of the 1830's where he describes his own precarious survival. In times of apparent and real danger or political upheaval such as the "Snow Storm" (See Michael Shiner account of the events of 1835-1836 related pages on 57-75 and his account of the election of 1857 see page 156.) many of the District of Columbia's white workers resorted to violence and riot to intimidate enslaved and free African-Americans. The daily reality of this oppression is also reflected in Shiner's diary as he recounts his often perilous journey's to and from work.
Many of the Yard's early leader's, both military officers and senior civilians, owned slaves and benefited directly from their labor. Some of these leaders such as the WNY's first and second Commandants, Thomas Tingey and Isaac Hull, used their slaves as household servants while other employees of a more entrepreneurial disposition like Naval Constructor Josiah Fox, Master Blacksmith Benjamin King, and Chief Clerk Thomas Howard had their slaves leased directly to the navy.
While by the 1830's naval regulations prohibited officers from holding slaves except as servants, custom deemed otherwise. A report from Commandant Isaac Hull to the Board of Naval Commissioners gives some sense of how the issues of slavery were construed:
"I have understood from Captain Shubrick that when you were last in the Navy Yard you enquired of him whether Slaves belonging to Officers were employed at the Yard and at the same time informed him there was a positive order against employing Slaves belonging to Officers. I have caused a search to be made but can not find any such order either by circular or by letter receipted for this yard and I have found all the Slaves now in the yard and many others that I discharged since I took the Command here I took it for granted they were employed by Special Permission and that permission given because white men could not be found to work in the Anchor Shop. I now have the honor to forward a list of all the Slaves now employed in the Yard. Those belonging to the ordinary might be discharged and White Men or free Blacks taken to fill their places but I fear we could not find a set of men White or Black or men even Slaves belonging to poor people outside the yard to do the work the men now do in the Anchor Shops. The competent mechanics have long known them and I have no cause to complain on the contrary I consider them the hardest working men in the yard and as they understand their work they can do much more work in a day than new hands could and I should suppose it would require many weeks if not months to get a gang of hands for the Anchor Shop to do the work that is now done."4)
In a previous report Hull had listed a total of 13 slaves employed at the Washington Navy Yard5. Isaac Hull's list does not include slaves of masters such as Thomas Howard and Benjamin King who had leased out their slaves to work at the yard and allowed them a portion of their wages for their own personal use.
Some time between the years 1840-1850 Michael Shiner was manumitted from bondage and as a new freeman was able to exercise some albeit limited control over crucial aspects of his existence. Despite the District of Columbia's severe restrictions on freeman and the everyday racial prejudice and limited opportunities the diary entries continued to reflect his profound religious faith, essential optimism and his hope for a more just future. Today his privately recorded thoughts and reflections are precious legacy that allow us a window in which we can catch glimpses of his world.
The holographic folio manuscript that is the Michael Shiner Diary, is now located in the Library of Congress, Manuscript Division. The Shiner manuscript contains 186 numbered pages. Pages 1-119 are in Michael Shiner's unique script. The handwriting from the middle of page 119 to page 179 appears in a different hand, perhaps in the more polished style of Michael Shiner's grandson Louis Alexander. There is some internal evidence that Louis Alexander took charge of preparing the manuscript for the purpose of selling it some years after Michael Shiner's death. Pages 180-186 of the manuscript once again resume in Michael Shiner's singular script. In addition to the transcribed diary entries Louis Alexander prepared eight more pages for a chronological index with the corresponding manuscript page numbers. These page numbers, recorded by Louis Alexander, no longer strictly correspond because of an apparent oversight at page 157 and as a result there are now two page 157's; each different. Additionally, there are seven unnumbered pages that were pasted into the folio by Michael Shiner or his grandon. They are: the two unnumbered pages between pages 52 and 53, one unnumbered page between pages 87and 88, one unnumbered page between pages 99 and 100, two unnumbered pages between pages 105 and 106 and one unnumbered page between pages 109 and 110. For the most part, Michael Shiner tried to keep his recollections in chronological order. However, for some of the earlier years (especially the 1820's), he placed material clearly in different locations on the same page simply because he had run out of room.
While Michael Shiner had little or no formal education beyond that described above and the fact that at times his handwriting particularly in the early sections can be difficult to decipher, he could write a vigorous colorful prose. His spelling, grammar, punctuation and capitalization are very much his own. Modern readers can see his pronunciation reflected in his spelling, which appears to be based on phonetics. I have done my best to transcribe his entries as he wrote them. Michael Shiner kept his recollections in a small shop note book and to save space divided some of his pages (14-33) into two sections with a vertical line running down the middle of the page. When making entries on some occasions, Michael Shiner, wrote using alternate left-to-right and right-to-left lines or what philologists like to refer to as boustrophedon.
His method of writing presents significant challenges to transcribe, since Michael Shiner rarely if ever used punctuation or paragraphs and some of his sentences are not always linked to his adjoining column. In transcribing all passages from the manuscript I have striven to adhere as closely as possible to the original in spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and abbreviation, including the retention of dashes and underlining found in the original. Words and passages that were crossed out in the diary are transcribed either as overstrikes or in notes. When a spelling is so unusual as to be misleading or confusing the correct spelling immediately follows the misspelled word in square brackets and italicized type or is discussed in a foot note.
The names of ships recorded in the Diary are italicized and are linked, where possible, to other Naval Historical Center records pertaining to that vessel. Lastly I have added some notes to help readers identify some of the personalities and incidents mentioned.
A color photo of the original manuscript can be seen at the Library of Congress website.
In the course of transcribing this manuscript for publication, I have incurred many debts of gratitude to numerous individuals and institutions. First I owe a special thanks and appreciation to Dr. Edward Marolda, Senior Historian and Dr. Regina Akers, Archivist both of the Naval Historical Center. Dr. Marolda's excellent work: The Washington Navy Yard an Illustrated History Naval Historical Center Washington DC 1999 which included Dr. Atkins article An African American's Reflections first introduced me to Michael Shiner.
Mr. Glen Helm, Director of the Navy Library, took a generous interest in this project and made the resources of that wonderful institution available. My thanks to him and his hospitable staff for letting me make digital images of rare naval documents; this made my trip from California to the Navy Yard a pleasure. Patrick Clancey, Naval Historical Center volunteer, has lent this project his superb technical expertise, valuable insights and organizing ability. Ms. Gail Munro Head of the Navy Art Collection Navy Museum Washington Navy Yard generously contributed the information for the notes on Michael Shiner's 1822 visit to the 4th Street Ebenezer Methodist Church the Reverend Yelveton T. Payton and Methodist church practices.
My thanks once again go to my former boss and mentor Dr. Vincent Vaccaro, now Senior Civilian Personnel Advisor, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, for his early support, sage advice, help and encouragement in this project. Thanks again to Mr. Stephen Payton my former colleague (no relation to the Reverend Payton) at the Washington Navy Yard who assisted me with some of the early research on Michael Shiner.
My thanks to the staff of two great conservatories of knowledge in Stockton, California: The Cesar Chavez Central Library and The University of the Pacific, Holt Memorial Library. Over the last two years I have made extensive use of their wonderful book collections and their old but still functioning microfilm readers. Thanks to the efforts of their respective staff, these old machines have been preserved allowing the microfilm of Michael Shinerıs Diary to be transcribed for the Naval Historical Centerıs web site.
Mr. Wayne Hinton of Genealogytrails.com kindly helped edit an earlier version of extracts from Michael Shiner which was posted on his District of Columbia web site. I also want to thank the Library of Congress, Manuscript Division staff who were exceptionally accommodating in making it possible for me to obtain the microfilm of the Michael Shiner manuscript used in this transcription and for answering my questions regarding the manuscript history and provenance. My thanks also to Dr. Joseph E. Bisson, San Joaquin Delta College for his magnificent class in U.S. History that provided me numerous insights into the political and racial issues of the 19th century.
My thanks to Congressional Cemetery which is the final resting place of many early WNY military and civilian employees who's names are recorded in Michael Shiner's Diary. The Cemetery website http://www.congressionalcemetery.org/ is superb and simply one of the best tools for research on WNY and District of Columbia.
My particular thanks must go to Mr. Charles W. Johnson of the National Archives and Records Administration Washington D.C. as he has done on many previous occasions; he once again graciously gave me his valuable time and unrivaled knowledge of the incredible NARA archival resources. Essential as well to the preparation of this transcription of Michael Shiner's Dairy were the wonderful staff at the Martin Luther King Library, Washingtoniana Division Washington DC. I want to thank MLK Library Archivist Mr. Ryan Semmes for his knowledge and kindness in answering my many questions and the help of his superb staff in locating documents relating to the probate of Michael Shiner's estate.
My deepest gratitude belongs to my wife and dearest friend Gene Kerr Sharp who has endured the pleasures pains and privileges of being so long in Michael Shiner's company.
John G. Sharp
Stockton California
Columbus Day 2007
Adams, John Quincy Diary [electronic edition]. The Diaries of John Quincy Adams: A Digital Collection. Boston, Mass.: Massachusetts Historical Society, 2004. http://www.masshist.org/jqadiaries
Ambrose Kevin, Henry Dan & Weiss Andy Washington Weather The Weather Sourcebook for the D.C. Area Historical Enterprises 2002
Crawford, Michael J., Christine F. Hughes, Charles E. Brodine, Jr., and Carolyn M. Stallings eds. The Naval War of 1812: A Documentary History, Vol. III, 1814-1815, Chesapeake Bay, Northern Lakes, and Pacific Ocean, Washington, DC: Naval Historical Center, 2002.
Diggs Sr, Lewis S ed. Baltimore City Directory for 1835/1836, by R.J. Matchett, Baltimore 1835 online transcription with Africa Geneas.com
District of Columbia Department of Education, Special Report of the Commissioner of Education on the Condition of Public Schools in the District of Columbia, submitted to the Senate June 6, 1868 and to the House with Additions June 13, 1870. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1870
Dudley, William S., et al. The Naval War of 1812: A Documentary History, Volume II, 1813 Washington, DC: Naval Historical Center, 1992
Green Constance McLaughlin Washington A History of the Capital 1800 -1950 Princeton University Press Princeton New Jersey 1962.
Green Constance McLaughlin The Secret City A History of Race Relations in the Nations Capital Princeton University Press Princeton New Jersey 1967.
Hibben, Henry B Navy Yard Washington from Organization 1799 to the Present day at the Naval Historical website.
Howe, Daniel Walker What Hath God Wrought The Transformation of America 1815 - 1848. Oxford University Press New York 2007
Latrobe, Benjamin H. Papers of Benjamin Henry Latrobe . Vols. 1-3. Maryland Historical Society, New Haven: Yale University Press, 1984-1988.
Maloney, Linda M. The Captain from Connecticut: The Life and Naval Times of Isaac Hull. Boston: Northeastern University Press, 1986. Maloney's discussion of the strike and riot of 1835 is by far the most coherent of the all the accounts of this remarkable and fateful year.
Marolda, Edward The Washington Navy Yard An Illustrated History : Government Printing Office Washington DC. 1999.
Morley, Jefferson. "The Snow Riot," Washington Post, February 6, 2005, p. W14.
Peck, Taylor. Round Shot to Rockets: A History of the Washington Navy Yard and the Naval Gun Factory . Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 1949.
Report of Committees of the House of Representatives for the Second Session of the Forty - Second Congress Michael Shiner Testimony (pages 471-473) Government Printing Office Washington DC 1872
Sharp, John G.: History of the Washington Navy Yard Civilian Workforce 1799-1962 Vindolanda Press Stockton Ca 2005. This volume has full bibliography for most of the works cited in the preface.
For further information on the life of Michael Shiner see my Michael Shiner 1805-1880 Slave, Freeman and Entrepreneur.
The Slave Code of the District of Columbia 1860 is now online at the Library of Congress web site.
Students Law Dictionary or the Complete English Expositor by an attorney London 1740
Tremian Mary. Slavery in the District of Columbia G.B. Putnam and Sons New York 1898.
The Washington Directory, 1827. Publisher S.A. Elliot, Washington DC 1827.
Table of Contents
Date 1813 | Page 1 | Fire and Hose Companies Organized |
" " 1813 | " " " 1 | War of 1812 |
" " 1814 | " " " 3 | About the War of 1812 |
" " 1816 | " " " 15 | Hard Winters in Washington DC |
" " 1819 | " " " 17 | Very Hard Winters in Washington DC |
" " 1819 | " " " 17 | United States Ship Columbus Launches |
" " 1825 | " " " 17 | United States Frigate Launched (Brandy Wine) |
" " 1826 | " " " 18 | Big Fire in Alexandria Va |
" " 1826 | " " " 18 | Merchant Ship Virginia Launched in Alexandria |
" " 1827 | " " " 21 | United States Sloop of War St. Louis Keel was Laid |
" " 1827 | " " " 23 | President John Qunicy Adams boards a Sloop of War in Georgetown DC |
" " 1828 | " " " 34 | The Lighters Launched at the Washington Navy Yard |
" " 1829 | " " " 36 | The United States Marine Barracks (Burnt down) |
" " 1829 | " " " 38 | Died Commodore Thomas Tingey, Commander of the Washington Navy Yard |
" " 1829 | " " " 38 | Commodore Isaac Hull took Command of the Wash. |
" " 1831 | " " " 40 | The darkest eclipse in Wash. DC |
" " 1832 | " " " 48 | The United States Schooner Experiment Launched at the Wash. Navy Yard, Built by Winslow |
" " 1832 | " " " 48 | President Andrew Jackson and his cabinet at the Navy Yard |
" " 1832 | " " " 49 | Colery (colera) in Washington City |
" " 1832 | " " " 50 | General Scott, returns from the Indian War in the South |
" " 1832 | " " " 50 | The Launching of the United States Revenue Cutter Jackson |
" " 1833 | " " " 51 | Andrew Jackson on his way to Richmond to lay a cornerstone met with a accident. |
" " 1833 | " " " 55 | Metor fell from the elements and frighten the people very much |
" " 1835 | " " " 57 | A turn out of the militia in Wash. DC |
" " 1835 | " " " 59 | The first strike in Washington DC and Andrew Jackson called out every soldier in Washington |
" " 1835 | " " " 64 | Cars started for between Baltimore and Washington |
" " 1835 | " " " 65 | Stealing Copper from the Washington Navy Yard |
" " 1835 | " " " 70 | Commodore Isaac Hull Leaves the Washington Navy Yard |
" " 1836 | " " " 71 | The Launching of the United States Frigate Columbia |
" " 1836 | " " " 72 | Commodore Daniel Patterson and Captain Joseph Smoot takes command of Navy Yard |
" " 1836 | " " " 72 | Major General Santa Anna Mexican General was taken pisoner |
" " 1836 | " " " 73 | Trouble with Indians In the south |
" " 1836 | " " " 74 | The Battle of North Pont was celebrated in Washington DC |
" " 1836 | " " " 74 | The United States post office was Burnt down |
" " 1836 | " " " 75 | The 4th of March Martin Van Buren is President the second time |
" " 1838 | " " " 76 | The United States Marine from their Fight in Florida |
" " 1839 | " " " 77 | The Death of Commodore Daniel Paterson in the Wash Navy Yard |
" " 1839 | " " " 77 | Ten Hours in the Federal Buildings |
" " 1840 | " " " 78 | Death of Commodore Isaac Chancey (Chauncey) |
" " 1841 | " " " 79 | Death of Commodore Thomas Holddig (Holdup) Stevens in Wash. Navy Yard |
" " 1841 | " " " 79 | Died in the White house Major General Wm. Henry Harrison |
" " 1841 | " " " 80 | Death of Major General Alexander Mc Comb Commander in Chief of the U.S. Army |
" " 1843 | " " " 82 | Death of Commodore Isaac Hull |
" " 1844 | " " " 83 | Sad Accident on Board Frigate Princeton |
" " 1844 | " " " 84 | The Launching of the United States Sloop of War St. Mary's |
" " 1845 | " " " 86 | The National Theater burnt down on the 5th of March 1845 |
" " 1845 | " " " 86 | The Mexican Minister demands his past port |
" " 1845 | " " " 86 | The United States iron steamer Water Witch was launched the 26th day of March on Thursday |
" " 1845 | " " " 87 | Death of Major General Andrew Jackson Ex. President of U. States |
" " 1846 | " " " 89 | Dedicated the Odd Fellow Hall on 7th St. N.W. |
" " 1846 | " " " 90 | The Battle of Harrington Hotel on Capitol hill |
" " 1846 | " " " 92 | Commander Charles Macaulay took Command of the Wash. Navy Yard in September |
" " 1846 | " " " 94 | The launching of the United States Steamer Frigate Union |
" " 1847 | " " " 96 | Celebrating the Mexican War in this City the Whole City was slit up |
" " 1847 | " " " 97 | Some facts about the Mexican War |
" " 1848 | " " " 101 | Death of Ex President John Quincy Adams |
" " 1848 | " " " 101 | Laying the Corner Stone of the Washington Monument |
" " 1849 | " " " 103 | Death of James Polk ex President of the U.S. |
" " 1849 | " " " 104 | Commodore Henry E. Ballard took Command of the Wash. Navy Yard, the 1st of Oct |
" " 1849 | " " " 104 | The Arrival of the English Sloop a Minster of War Vacar with Lord Bullwer from England |
" " 1850 | " " " 105 | Death of ex senator John C. Calhoun |
" " 1850 | " " " 105 | Death of Major General Zackary Taylor at the white house |
" " 1851 | " " " 107 | Corner Stone was laid at the Capital in July |
" " 1851 | " " " 109 | The Library of Congress was burnt in July |
" " 1852 | " " " 112 | The President and his Cabnit visited the Wash. Navy Yard |
" " 1852 | " " " 113 | Death of Henry Clay A Senator |
" " 1852 | " " " 115 | Commodore Charles Morgan took Command of the Wash Navy Yard |
" " 1852 | " " " 116 | Death of Daniel Webster |
" " 1853 | " " " 118 | Death of Commodore Charles Morgan in Wash Navy Yard |
" " 1853 | " " " 121 | The President Franklin Pierce visited the Wash Navy Yard |
" " 1854 | " " " 132 | The Nebraska Bull Passed |
" " 1855 | " " " 135 | Captain French Forrest took Command of the Wash Navy Yard |
" " 1855 | " " " 136 | The Launching of the U.S. Steam frigate Minnesota on the 10th day of Dec |
" " 1856 | " " " 165 | Commodore Lavallette took Command of the Wash Navy Yard |
" " 1857 | " " " 152 | The National Theatre burnt down |
" " 1857 | " " " 156 | Election takes place in Wash |
" " 1858 | " " " 165 | Lord Napier and the British Secretary at the Wash Navy Yard |
" " 1858 | " " " 165 | Commodore J. Rudd took Command of the Wash Navy Yard |
" " 1859 | " " " 171 | Commodore Buchanan took Command of the Wash Navy Yard |
" " 1859 | " " " 172 | Launching of the United States Steamer Anacosta |
" " 1860 | " " " 175 | Dedication of the Washington Statue |
" " 1860 | " " " 176 | Arrival of the Jappanees at the Washington Navy Yard |
" " 1861 | " " " 178 | Justice Clark Administers the Oath of Allegiance to the Mechanics of the Wash Navy Yard |
" " 1861 | " " " 178 | The Emancipation of the District of Columbia |
" " 1865 | " " " 184 | President Lincoln was down at the Wash Navy Yard on good Friday the 14th 1865 with his Wife |
" " 1865 | " " " 186 | Michael Shiner Saw eleven Presidents take there seat and some Presidents twice (the end) |
1 B 1813
ther was a Horse Company organised in this City of Washington by Captin lower Caul well Docter Edward Clark Belong to it and James Freind Formly a Baker on the Hill thomas renols formly a tarvin keper at the eastern Branch Bridge on pensylvan avenu James kely formly kept a redervus on the navy yard hill6 a Baker use to to Belonge to this company by name of Burns formly use to Have a Bake house South of the long row and a Brother in law of lawer george Water stone all those a bove named gentelman use to Belong that Company organise in 1809 by Captin thomas Carley a young man by the name of Spanagle his father John Canon Was a Black smith formly kept a Black Smith shop south of the Congress Burial ground7 rigments of infertry by Captain thomas carbrly ther was a Company of feild artilery organnised at the same time by Captin Samuel Burch and thomas Howard and thomas Warfield and louyd pumphrey 8 and Joseph Bro[wm] formerly a police of the 5Ward Isaac phillips use to Belonge to it his Mother formerly kept a little shop Below the capitol all those above named gentleman use to Belong to it A mmelitia [militia] Company organnised by captin thomas Huse formly kept a store on pennsylvania avenu ner the Centre Market elisha phumphery uto belong to it John Moody use to Belonge to it9 |
4 1814
and the 23 day of august on tusday night the american armmy laid on ther arms and Biv o uactin for that night then next Morning on the 24 day of august 1814 on Wensday Between 3 and 4 oclock in the Morning they Burnt the eastern branch Bridge That Where done to prevent the British from crossing for feare they should reverse ther March and then they Went forth and burnt the sloop of War on the stocks and one or 2 other vessels and all those orders that that Was carid out Wher giv in by the president of the united Staets the honable James Madason and the honable Secatary of the Navy Mr Jones at sun rise the same morning two men came in on horse back from the direction of Blades Barge bringing news the British armmy wher advancin over the Baldes Barge Bridge and this news reaching the american camp aroused the spirit of the americans to force ther march in douB Ble quick time to asail the British at Bladens Barge Bridge gest as the amierin cun armmy got two Blades Barge the British army Wher Jest advancin doWn rossis hill and a Bout 2 hours after the american army left the City of Washington under the comMand of genral Winder comerder Barnny [commander Joshua Barney] though his skill forced his March all night on the 29 of august 1814 on tusday though Mary land and arired at Washington and landid his men in 2 hours [ illegible] the american armmy had left Washington |
5 1814
he lanid his Men betwein Noth east and south east of
Washington Navy yard Which at that
day Where caled the ferry Which |
7 1814 Mrs reid caught hold of me Wher are you runig to you niger you What do you recon the British Wants With such a niger as you and at this time John had run and hid his selve in a bake oven that Wher owne by a Man named Burns the British armmy Still continued ther March on towards the capitol ontill they got against a large Brick house on Capitol Hill fronting Mary land avenu and fronting 2 Street formly oned by Judge Suel of Mary land and Wher occupied formly the Judge and his famly every session of congress This house now sets to the north east of the united Steates Senate and as the British army aproach that house under the commamd of genral Ross and his aids his horse Wher shot from under him In a twinkale of the eye house Wher sorouned by British armmy and search all through up stairs and down stairs in search of the Man that shot the horse from under genral but no Man was found after they found that they couldent find the man they put a slow Match to the house and then stood off a sertin ditance and folony those congreve Rocket13 those Rocket burnt until the came to the explosion part they Made the rafters fly east and West and then they 4 March on farther to a hotel below this house to the east ward of the united states senate there they found ammunition and guns and this house was Wer formerly occupied by a gentleman by the name of tumbelson he kept a large bording house for Members of congress and for other gentleman and forth and burnt that down there was a Scotchman kept a store on the east capitol alaxandria Mc cormack sr kept a store in the same square Which at that time Wher a lutenant in Captin Buches artilery Company the goods Wher taken out by the British and distributed among any one Would receive them |
13 [1815] the treaty of peace Wher made at the city of gent [Ghent] after the Battle of New or leans [on the] 8 day January 1815 peace reach the City of Washington betwen the goverments on the 22 of February 1815 on Wens day ice commence erlly in november 1814 and a continued freesing until the Middle of March 1815 and 1815 January14 they haul Wood a cross the eastern branch by Wagon loads with six horses and they Wher a deseas went through County cauld the swell toung that kill the horse it apeared that they Wher no cure for it they couldent get anny thing down the throat they dropt down dead most every wher and at last the people caught this disease and they wher very few of them that caught it got over it they Wher a old Docter lady that lived in prince georges county the state of Mary land by the name of Mrs Darry and al she attendid to she wher successful in cureing for she wher verry attentive and tracterble for She highly rectermendid by the phersisiansners [parishioners] of prince georges county the state of Mary land and particerly by olde Docter hodges of prince georges county the state of Mary land and all Mrs Darrys Medirins [medicines]Wher made princilble out of erBs [herbs] and 1816 wher a hard Winter for they Wher three black spots in the sun afte the Winter closed the sun become to as red as blood ther Wher a frost evry night the hold sumer the Wher no corn Made scarrly aBout in different section of the country it Where all Whitherd up15 1815 |
15 1816 a Hard Winter 1817 a Hard Winter and 1818 a Hard Winter and 1819 a pretty Hard Winter twoand in 1820 a Hard Winter and 1821 a Hard Winter and 1822 a Hard Winter and 1823 a Hard Winter and 1824 a Hard Winter and 1825 a Hard Winter and 1826 a Hard Winter and 1827 a Hard Winter and 1828 a Hard Winter and 1829 a Hard Winter and 1830 a Hard Winter and 1831 a Hard Winter and 1832 a Hard Winter and 1833 a Hard Winter and 1834 a Hard Winter and 1835 a Hard Winter and 1836 a Hard Winter and 1837 was a beatiful fall for they never gather in ther garden stuff in the District of Columbia until nearly cristmas and 1 part of 38 it commence With a snow and sleek so the Winter of 38 Was a cold Dreary Winter for never shal for get it for i Was coming a long by the engine house in the fifth Ward and They Wher aan olde lady coming up the Hill wards the church 1821 the Reverance Mr payton16 a Methodis preacher Wer sent in charge of the Ebenezer church by the Methadis Confrence in the Six Ward and i Believe he was the greates Methodis preachers that ever ask a nickel for his Walk and Conversation proved he caried the love of god in his heart and all his cry to his fellow man Was to repent and turn to god it made no difference What kind of a man he War he made no distinc sion for he died tryunphpant by the [grace] of god for the Worst sinners in the City of Washington at that time when Mr payton aproach them With the Word of the lord they would Be as calm as a lamb and so should be the Walks of every minister of the gospel no Matter what Denomanation he is |
17 1844 a Hard Winter 1845 a Hard Winter 1846 a Hard Winter 1847 a Hard Winter 1848 a Hard Winter 1849 a Hard Winter 1850 a Hard Winter 1851 a Hard Winter 1852 a Hard Winter 1853 a Hard Winter 1854 a Hard Winter 1855 a Hard Winter 1856 a Hard Winter 1857 a Hard Winter 1858 verry little snow But Wet and cold Winter But not much snow
the united States Ship Columbus 74 Constructed and built by Colnal Wiliam Doughty and launch on the 4 of march 1819 on monday at Washington navy yard the united States Ship Columbus 74 forty 8 years old united States frigate potomac first Class built by Colonal Wiliam Doughty and launch 1821 frigate potomack 46 years old
the united States frigate Branday Wine Wher launch the 16 day of june 1825 on thursday at Washington navy yard and constructed and Built by Colnal Wiliam Dougthy17 and Wher fited out expresly to carry genral layet home to france comaden Charls Morris had command of her first lieutenant of the Branday Wine Was lieutenant gregry sail master elisha peck the united States frigate Bran day Wine 42 years old they commenceheaving out at Washington navy yard the united State frigate congress 36 gun ship 3rd class on the 27 of March 1826 on Monday to examine res [rust]and to put new keil on her copering of her they Wher fitting her out for some station but the Macedonia takeing her place 1821 |
When they commence heaving out commodor thomas tinsay [Thomas Tingey] Wher present captain Walter Booth Wher present first lieutenant thomas crale Wher present sailing master Mama duke Dove colnal Wiliam Doughty wher present Master builder James owner Wher present Boatswain Daived eaton Wher present Benjamen king sr18 quaterman george grant quaterman Wiliam aikoun 1827 fier Broke out in the alxdrania in the state of virginia on the 17 of January 1827 on Wensday and the Disspatch came from alxdrania on the 18 day of January 1827 on thursday to the people of Washington early in the moring cauling on them to com down speedly to assist in putting the fier out and orders came from the navy Department the same moring from the Honable secatary of the navy samul southard to the commanding officer of the Washington navy yard commerder thomas tingey to send every Mercanic and laborers and engines out of the yard and every man that were Wher able to travel and orders Wher obeyed promptly by commanders and the men Wher dispatched in Double quick time and the people of Washington and george town Went hand to hand to assist them in putting fiers out the mecanics Wanted |
19 1827 to put the engines over by the shears and take them down on the ice but captin Walter Booth stop them and taken a around over the long Bridge by horse and hand they [had] one engine in the yard now that broke down 2 Befor We got ther and they wher no time Delade19 What ever for the oficers caried us in a half canter and a dog trot Comerder thomas Tinray [Thomas Tingey] Commandeid Washington Navy yard Went Down to alexdrania that day Captin Walter Booth sectiond in command went Down to alxdrania that day colal archabald henderson Went down that day Which wher a commander of the united Staets Merines Core Lieutenant Henry R Tyler caried down that day a Detachment of the united States Merines down to alex drania (He) carid them Down in Double quick time Purser Mr timothy Wind Went down to alexanria that day Colnal Wiliam Doughty the naval constructer went Down that day the master Builder James oner sr went Down and sailing master edward Barry went down that day Boats swain David eaton Went down and Mr William Speedon went down that day which at that time was clerk to Mr Wind the purser all the Master Workmen and Mechanics and Laborers of all classes went down that day a circumstance accrued between sailing master edward Barry and a colled man by the name thomas pen ton [penton]didnt conduct himseve so Well and Mr Barry gave him a repramand and it apears that tom pen gave him some insolents and Mr Barry when got home he reported him to captin Booth friday the 19 day of January 182720 |
21 1827 was by george for captin booth was a perfect gentelman for he wher the one that adopted those rigin screw in heavin frigate Congress out in 1826 he often use to speak of a quicker plan in runin up the rigin wit the screw the time they were done by scraping the frigate Congress on one side they would have righ ther up and set the rigin on the other side and in them days the shoe wer turned into dead eye then [lanerds]lanyards were received through each eye and then each shard had a louft block with tails imitatin a stoper and those tails wer made fast a round a shard a round above then lowerd that wher raised into the dead eye that cornectid in the chains the hook of the Double block that way rigin in them days wher set up captin Booth said at that time they could be a quicker way to addopted to set up the rigin So captin Booth wher the first inventor of those rigin screws which a gang of rigin be set up in half the time that it use to be set up shrods or stays The united states sloop of war St Louis was the first to carry those rigin screws and she carried them on her miesent [mizzen] shrouds 21 both starbord and loarboard that was in place of the dead eye Which to this day goes by the name of Booth riggin screws22 Which i believe is intirer sacerfactry to the navy Department The united staets ship sloop of war St. Loius her keil wher laid in the uper ship house the 12 day of febuary 1827 on monday one cedar tree planted in washington navt yard one apple tree planted by Micial Shiner |
23 1828 they ask Mr green What was the Matter With that dog Mr green anserd and said the dog was frighting at the salute that wher fired at that time the 2 boats all ready to go up above georgetown and the comerders gig Wher fited out expresly for we take the Honable Mr John qunicy adams a shore up above georgetown and at that down came captin Thomas holdup stevens in company with lieutenant colonel charles broom of the united States Marine corps first lieutenant kely said the gig was all ready sire captin stevens said Broom come get in with me colnal Broom answered and said i beg to be excuse i want to exercise my Boys this moring Colnal Broom got in his Barge and told them up oars and stand by to let fall let fall shov oft give way good morning captin never mind said Captin Stephens to colnal Broom i will be long side of you to sectly that right sais colnal Broom i want to give your colerd Boys a sweat this morning colnal Broom started about fifteen minits Before captin stephens started The reason that colnal Broom started before Captin stephens was the captin was waiting for a message from commodore Tingey after the captain received the message he asks Mr green if all wher right Mr green sais yes sire then Mr green sais up oars my lads shove off let fall giv way captain steiphens sais give give way my lads let us go in search of colonel Broom then we over took colnal Broom at the arsenal and we wher about to pass him along the captin sais fair you well Broom and colnal Broom sais hold on stephens and run along side and take in passenger captin stephens sais ease your larboard23 oars pull your starb |
24 1828 ard oars until the gig got along side of the colnals barge then we taking the colnal on the board of the gig after then colnal got on board captin stephens sais give way my lads mind you my brave fellers they are a parcel of boats in the potomac to day and i want to see what you can do for them at that time there wher five hundred boats in the river and none of them could hold a light when we got to the arsenal the potomac river wher darkend with boats before us and behind us we look down the river and seen some boats coming and they look they scarily touch the water but they wher coming and at that time we had pass some the fastes rowing in alexandria they wher no boat in the river that day that day out the five hundred that could beat the comerders gig when we got up to george town Jest as we got ther the president came down in his carrige in company with the Honable secretary of war Major genral Miller and the Honable secretary of the Navy Samuel l southard24 and the rest of his cabinet and a great many other distinguished gentelman then they went on bord of the surprise steam boat and at last we hadent the pleasure of taken the president ashore in the gig the steam boat started in full paced up the river Mr green his orders to follow the steam boat up the river then we followed the steam boat and kept along sid of her until we got to the very landing place and the steam boat run so close that they shoved the gang way out and |
25 1828 the preident walk ashore and all his cabnet all the other Distinich gentelmen and ladys and went up to the verry spot and they wher great masses of people wher there that day and several volunteer companies and plenty of everything [to] eat and drink and the Honable Mr John Qunicy adams presiident of the united states pulled oft his coat and takein hold of the spade as if he was going to set in for a day work and went right in to it and that the beginning of the chesapeake and ohio cannal24a and then the hold of the posesion Retired and after the posesion retired then we then we had the pleisure of tring the strenth of the surprise steam Boat the ohter row boats that went up with us and we run pass all the boats we got down to george town ten minits befor the steam boat then we had wait until that steam boat with captin thomas hold up stephens then when that steam boat arived then we takin the captin in the gig and the lieutenant Colnal charles Broom of the united states Marine corps and we started from george town and landed the Captins orders wher to Mr green gave My complements to Mr John kely which at that time wher first lieutenant of Washington navy yard to giv all those boys liberty that wher in the gig to day |
[27] 1828 soiler and i kept a sidelin up to the fellow until i got hold of him and they wher mud hole close by i seised hold of the felol and we had small tussel for a while and i got throd the felow into the mud hole then i stagerd oft about my business and went into the yard then as i got under the arkcade i met comerders tingey's coachman a collerd man by the name of sam reid he said are you got sober yet and i sais to him you blak vilian and i hauld oft and kock him down and the sentry run in betwein us and parted us and reported us and reported me to the first lieutenant of the yard and the same time they wher a lad comerder tinsay foot man25 had been cuting some of his shines at the house on the 4 and they taking him down to the rigin loft that it give him a starting and they wher going to give me starting two but captin steiphens excused me and first leutant kelly sailing master Edward Barry so that ended the fourth of July 1828 on friday26 launching of the united states sloop of war st louis at Washington navy yard built and constructed by colnal William Doughty on the 16 day of august 1828 on saturday i shall never forget that day the Honable John quincy adams came down that day and his cabnet and the naval commissioner and comerder John rogers27 at that time wher preident of the The Saint Louis is 39 years old |
31 1828 1828 on the 24 day of December 1828 after getting this pass from captin steiphens i came out of the yard with the intention of going over to my masters which wher thommas horard sr[Thomas Howard Sr] which at that time he wher clerk of washington navy yard as i wher going over home i came across a parsel of boys and i had a couple pounds of pouder in my pocket and i wher going to carry it down the country to have som sport amonst the youngsters the boys sorounded me with fier crackers and i Had cristmas in me two they made a great noise for a while and i wher right in senter of them and you May Depend on it the lit me up torch light fashion for a while with the fier crackers they wasnot a fighting but they wher nineteen or twenty boys aroun me and in the mean time while we wherin our sport they came along a Justice of the peace by the name of Mr Clemont huit he said you scamp what are you doing here to me he hauld of and struck me and i hauld off and struck him again but if i had of know at that time he wher a Justice of the peace i never would have offer to raise my hand to him i have often regreted it although they wher nothing turned out serious between us. fo it wher Mr huit duty as an officer to stop all quarals and all gatherrings in the streets and at that time they run me up in an alley cauled smack alley on niger hill28 and i kept them all out of the alley until my Master came when Master tom came up he sais Mike you scamp what is the matter with you Do you know who i am Yes sire Master Tom i said He sais com along and go with me yes sais i Master Tom my i will with you any Wher and then he takein hold of me and takein me to the Navy yard gate |
33 1828 Mr Rowman acted verry kind with me and he let his men put me across the piscataway creek29 in His boat and when i started leaving his farm Mr Rowman himself did not want me to come away after they landed me at fort Washington no soniner then i landed on the Warf they wher a passel of soilgers on the warf and i dressed sailer fashion blu frock shirt and blue Trousers and blue round about and red vest tarpolon hat hell loe Jack wher did you com from i told them i came from Washington Navy yard som of them i dont believ that this fellow is a run away from the st louis i had terible affray with them on the warf anny how i got them oft me som How or Nother and in the Mean time the affray wher i heard a corple say step up and tel the Major that they are a Black felow Down here cuting up shines and i believe he is run from the united States sloop of War st louis at this time i had i had got away from them and i had got up to an old lady house that set a little North west from the fort [She] verry fine white old lady by the name of Mrs Norffolk the house that Mrs Norfolk lived in were built by a man named of {illegible] brother-in-law to the one that built fort Washington and fort Monroe i were in Mrs Norfolk's house and then came soldgers at the Door ask Mrs Norfolk didnt they a collard man caul ther Mrs Norfolk said no and i had bein a teling Mrs Norfolk about the fray and it apeard that these Men want to kick up a row with me anny how and i didn't stay but a verry little after that and i bid Mrs Norl folk fare well as sais she they are a wild set of men her now Mike for the Major haves a heaps of Trouble with them at that time fort Washington was commanded by Major Mason united States armmy major mason and his companys were order[d] ther from the east port |
34 1828 1824 and the companys at fort Washington wher orderd to east port in 1824 under the command of Captin thomas Childs of the united states armmy after leaving fort Washington the 26 day of December 1828 on friday i had to go all long the shore of swan creek for to get out of those fellows for they were after me like hawks and i never stop until i reach Washington but i Didnt go in the yard that night i stop at mans house by the name of Mr Jesse Morison near the navy yard and Ship carpternter by trade and a finer family of White people that ever live on the hill and on the 27 of December 1828 on saturday and i reported my selve in the yard to the officers the 31 day of December 1828 on Wensday we bering the lighters from the Washington Navy yard and landed at General Vernesis warf on 18street to Move first luitenant Wm Ramsey [to] that Washington Navy yard Which Wher at that time wher the first lieutenant he live on pennsilvanerner [avenue] a little above the War Department house siting back some distance from the avenu and this ended the proceeding of 1828 1828 The 1 day of January 1829 on thurs day the last levve that Wher givin by the Honable ex preident Mr John qunicy adams and on that day lieutenant Ramsey gave us a pass to go to a young colerd Mans fueral that died near the navy yard gate by the name of John Brion after the burial wher over i Wher standing near the Navy yard gate and captin Steiveins had bein up to the preidents levve and Basil Brown was a Driving of his carrige he look out of his carrige sais Bassil aint that Mike Bassil sais yes sire the Captin caulled me30 |
[35] 1829 he sais com to me sire walk your selve in the yard sire i gave you permission the other day to go down in the country to see your friends and you went over on the other Hill and kicked up a row with the Magistrate and you shal not go out of the yard for 6 Month then my libity was stopt from the first day of January 1829 on Thursday until the 25 of January 1829 on Sunday 29 January 1829 on Thursday Mr James Smith a riger by trade at that time Wher part of the Washington Navy yard were sent down to alexandria on that with the Jolly boat31 for to get varous articlues for the oficers and 3 or 4 of the ordonary men went down with him and the ice Wher Jest a breaking up in the river and among those articles that wher got for the oficers they was a Half of pilot bread that belong to commerder [Commodore Tingey] tinsay Mr Smith sais Mike take that barrel and Carried it forard so as to give your Selves Room to row so i Takein hold of the barrel and went backward to passies it forward bein That the the gunels of the Jolly boat Wher very shallo the Hops [hoops] slips off the Barrel and over Board i went the barrel of bread still Remained in the boat [there] was ice floating on the river and i went down the third time and the kind providence of god i came up evry time right by the boat and the last time i came up John thomson grab me by the top of the head and i scird hold of the boat i was so over Joyed when i got in the boat thank god Mike shiner aint ground yet thom pen was seting aft an although in the boat told mr smith by the power of Moll kelly Mike shiner over Board after we got all the things fick in the boat said Mr Smith sais now Boys ar you all ready well mike come in here and get something to Drink and mr smith Takein Me into the team[ steam] Boat tavern that was kept by a man named Steaurt |
[36] [later] in the boat now and warmin our selves after we got in the boat we rowed up from alexandria in foety nine Minites and i had Jest Belong to mr Horord Sr [ Thomas Howard Sr]one year that day the Senter house of the united States Merine Barracks at Washington Burned down on the 20 day of febauary 1829 on friday snow on the ground all the officers except commerder tinsay [ Commodore Thomas Tingey] and he were laiding very ill at the time and all the Master Work men and Mercanic and labours of the Washington Navy yard at the fier captin thomas holdup stevens was at the fier first lieutenant wm Ramsey sr that wher the first lieutenant of the washington navy yard at that time Mr timothy Wind purser of the washington navy yard was ther sailing master edward Barry was ther boatswain David eaton was ther Mr george Marshal gunner was ther and Mr Selvylder Caolineer [Salvadore Catalano]32 which at that time belonged to ordnance was ther we went out to the fier at that time a little before the bell rang for twelve and stayed at the garrison until between 1 and 2 oclock in the night and the coldest night i ever felt in my life the hose were led from the garrison to reservoir at the market house it were so cold that the hose freeze up they formed lines in different sections passed the water with a bucket to the fier they worked like men ther were a little Disturbance ocurd betwein a fier[men] from te city and Samuel Brigs a fiermen of the an a casta[Anacosta] But that was soon setled by captin Wm easby interfering Which at that time were Master Boat Builder of the Washington Navy yard that Wher a Hard Winter they wasnt 2 cord of Wood on the commmercial Warf they wasnt no Wood in the navy yard [ illegible] and they were not ten ton of coal in the yard they wher condem frome War |
38 1829 Died in Command of the Washington navy yard Comerder thomas tinsy on the 23 day of febuary 1829 on Monday and snow on the ground and a fine officer he was and a gentelman Comerderr isaac Hull takeing comMand of the Washington Navy yard the 11 day of april 1829 on Saturday33 When comerderr hull taking command of the Washington navy yard he found it in an awful condition in holes and gullys and piles of timber laing about the yard all that square in front of the first lutenants quaters and 2 lieutenants and the Docter it Was nothing but yellow clay and that square in front of the comerders quarters was in the same condition and all the guns piled up on the left hand side of the road as you go into the gate from the flag staff clear down to the comerders ofice that were at that time the comerder laid all those places aft in the squares and had them fence it in the square Wher the paint shop is now where all cultivated and all this square where the ordnance shop is and the brass gun foundry and the shell house and laboratory and the rocket house and the water ran all along there When comerder Hull came to the yard he had to timber sheds built the mould loft built and all is laid as comerder Hull laid it off The water run jest back of the comerders ofice that is now and all the dock at the uper ship house were caving in and wharfs caving in all those wharfs were extended out were done by comerder hull except that piece done by captin William S Sango Sivil engeneer of the Washington navy yard When all this Work Wher going on and he Wher filling up and Building some of those days sais he this yard will be full of buildings34 |
40 1831 the Darkes eclips that i ever saw was in 1831 the 12 of febuary on saturday35 it lasted from half past 11 oclock until Half past 3 oclock it was so dark at diner our [hour] in Washington navy yard that we Had to light the candles to see how to eat in each ordnance room at that time Mr houard [Mr. Thomas Howard Sr] could hardly see how to haul the coal. i never shall forget a remark that a painter made he said to Mr houard that you ought to have a candle now to caul the coal the painters name was Wiliam prince was a gerneymen [ journeymen ]painter painting the water casks for the united states frigate potommac which was fitting out at the Washington navy yard that time they wher painting them out in the upper ship house Phillip inch Master Painter John giptson [Gibson]gerneymen painter Wiliam keith gerneymen painter edward Bevan gerneymen painter and Wiliam prince gerneymen painter and at that time the United States frigate potomac was fitted out expressly for to go on to peru and Chile to Chastise the Desprodadoes [Desperadoes] the deparado wher committed on the American Merchant Ships by the Malays genral Jackson determined to chastise them and bring them to an honrable term That duty was assined [assigned] to commerder John F. Downes and takein command of the united States frigate potomac that were fitted out at washington navy yard in 1831 The united States frigate potomac embarked from the under the command of Comerder John Downes and his first lieutenant edsum Shubrick and the remainer of the oficers and crew on the 30 day of may 1831 on Monday and she came in front of the united States assnal [United States Arsenal] at washington |
41 1831 and She remaind ther from the 30 of may oft and on until the 15 day of June 1831 on Wensday [when] the united States frigate potomac left her Moorines in front of the united States arsenal under the command of comerder John Downes i have never heard of the Merlays robbing or Murdering any of the American vessels or crew after that 3 united states schooners imbark from washington navy yard one wher commanded by lieutenant Wiliam P pearssy one wher commanded by lieutenant carry Seldon Jr the son of the late Major Seldon sr formrly Wher naval Store keeper at the washington navy yard and the third schooner was commanded by lieutenant kennedy i don't know wether Mr pearssy was senior officer or Mr kenady they imbark on the 17 of June 1831 on friday i shal never forget that day Mr inch sent me out that day in a battor with some canvass hose to them vessels Jest as the vessels were getting ready to go away and i put the hose on Board the vessel and i got so drunk when started to come a shore instead of coming to the yard the Boat drifted down towards the popplars point poor lieutenant Seldon made the men lower one of his boats down to bring me back to the yard they brought me back to the yard and i was completely i i went a round the ordeinary house and there was a lader laing ther [ladder laying] by ordernary Basil Brown 36 Wher the Cook of the ordernary at that time he sugested to me and i Bet you cant take this loder on your |
[43] 1831 by this time the bell rang for twelve and i had got out side of the Docters and had my lad der a round my neck and i started from the Docters house down the yard and as i came to a long by the flag staf i met first lieutenant Joseph Crooss Second lieutenant Cook and the Master work man and Merchanics they all were going out to dinner and the next men i met wher my master Mr hourard [Howard}and at that time were Clerk of the yard he caught holde of the ladder and sais this fellow got the devil in him he has had the devil im him for 3 weeks he hung on to the lad der and i carried him from the flag staf clear a round to the ordernary house and when i was going along with the ladder i hardly felt that he had hold of the ladder and we got around to the ordanary house Mr houard got tried at me and they wher a kick my broomm setting up by the ordernary house Mr hourard taking hold of this broom he stuck me over the face and eyes with it and sais you out dacious scamp what do you mean i jump at him and made ayell he struck me with the broom over the face and eyes and in them days it was cauled a snout and grouter and by this time captin Aulick came along and he called to me to come him ask me what was the matter with me.37 i told him that i was drunk sire captin Aulick told me to step to the gate with the Merrines until i got sober i told captin Aulick he was a officer and he had eagle buttons on and i jump down in the dust on my hands and feet rap my head into the dust Made one yell and captin38 |
45 1831 it to hav anny ill feeling against anny man white or black and on the 18 of January 1831 on saturday comerder Hull and captin aulick39 and first lieutenant Joseph Cross and second lieutenant Cook a son in law of Mr James owner sr formely Master Ship Builder of the Washington Navy yardand Sailing Master Marma Duke Dove that time of teh Washington Navy yard the comerder and these oficers granted me my liberty again and as i wher going home that eveing Before i got to my Masters house i saw one of the children and it came up to me then he letf me and Ran back to the hous sais he grand Mother Mikes is a Coming and all way i was going towards the hous i said com home com home come home and Jest as i got Righ a gainst the door My olde Mistess Wher Standing in the doore with a Stick in her hand and She had 3 good Raps at Me sais She owe you nigger villian come home is it now i wonder wher he got that at that some others new thing that nigger Brougt a Bout here ow red eyed nigger look at his eyes is red as a cock tairapin you niger you i am not a fraid of yous sais she for Thommas and Nancy spiles every nigger they have this lady was the Mother of Master Tommy howard Sr Master Thommas houward and Mrs nancy houward they wher as finer a Misteress and Master that ever wher born may the lord Bless them and i hope they are at Rest and may the lord grant that i may see them [illegable] in peac40 |
49 1832 that all the seamen that wher on ships of war and the Merrines and all that wher in ordanary chose to stop ther grog that the goverment would alow them six 6 cents per day for it in aBout the Middle of april 1832 the united States schooner experiment Sail from washington navy yard and hadent returned Many days befo she had to return again and get fitted out with knees and beams the time the colery broke out in about June and July august and September 1832 it Raged in the City of washington and evry day they wher twelve or 13 carried out to they graves a day and that wher small number to what died in diferent parts of the cuntry a day the sun rised and set Red prineerpally all that year out and two Black Spots could Be discovered disstint in the Sun about the size of a dollar i Believe that where a token of the deseas i never shal forget Docter Boyd the last part of august 1832 in the washington navy yard had a firm Sollid peace of fresh beef he had it run up to the flag sSaff at night and next morning when it were hauld down it wher Black and green and that convince the people that deseas wher in the air41 |
50 1832 i never shal forget in october 1832 genral Scott arived home from the idian War to new york he hadnt bein long in new york befor he was orderard By the Honable Major genral Jackson president of the united States then after he arrived in Washington to received his orders from the president to go down to South Carolinesnea without delay the instruction that he received from the president honorab Carried out to the saisfactory to the government and the people without the lost of life and may the lord grant that south Caroliner and all the other states Cling to one another with the assistance of the Almighty God42 launching of the united States Revernu Cutter Jackson the 29 day of november 1832 on Thursday and Built at the washington navy yard by the Constructor Colnal Wiliam doughty and built in the upper Ship house The death of Mr Thomas howard Sr Died the 5 of December 1832 on Wensday in Washington formly clerk of the washington navy yard |
and mr thomas lindle that wher Master Joiner of washington navy yard wher present at that time and Mr John Smoot Sr quaterman to mr lindle wher presnt at that time |
53 1833 i am under ten thousand oblagation to the Hon major genral Ham lin for his kindness to me and my Wife and Children43 on the 7 day of June 1833 on friday the General laid a Detachment44 on my Wife and 3 childdren at mr armfield Jail and takein them from ther and put them in the county Jail of alexandria to wait action of the court and my wife and childdren Reemained in the county Jail in alexandria from the 7 of June 1833 until the eleven of June 1833 on Tusday and the Same day Mr levy pumphrey exacuted papers and Manermited them free The papers wher exacuted at the City Hall in washington she [Phillis Shiner ] came up from alexandria on the 12 day of June 1833 on wensday and i am allso under oblagations to Mr Steil and Mrs Steil for ther kindness to my Wife and Childdren while they wher in the Jail and may the allmighty Bless them they gave me such a race at that time that all the people that wher acquainted with the affair in alexandria wher sorry for me and appeard to be wiling to Relieve me of my disstress45 |
54 1833 i am under Great oblagation to comodore isaac Hull for the time my Wife wher Sold to george he had command of the washington navy yard foer his kindness to me and allso to Captain John H Aulic for his kindness to when my wife were Sold to george and allso to captain Joseph Hull for his kindness to me at that time he wher first lieutenant of the washington navy yard and also under the same obligation to Major Cary Seldon who wher Naval Store Keepper and allso to Mr. John etheridge which at that time was Comodores clerk and allso to David eaton Boat swain46 all those above name gentelman all of them wher wiling to help me out my my disstresses in a honest up right way when my Wife and Childdren wher snacht away from me and sold on the 5 day of June 1833 on wensday from near West alley between 7 and eighth st east May the lord Bless them all i shal never forget them |
55 1833
Mr John Judge a irish man by Birth Received his orders from the navy Department on the 18 day of october 1833 at washington navy yard on Thursday that his serrices wher no more Required Mr Judge wher Master of the Machinery and patend makein Mr Wiliam ellis engineer Takein charge of the Machinery and engine of the washington navy yard the 17 of October 1833 on friday and wher master of his Business when he came to the Navy yard they wasnt But one engine and before Mr ellis left he constructed some engine in Washington Navy yard that are hard to Beat Ther are two engines in the washington Navy yard that are in the Copper Rolling Mill that wher Built by Mr. William ellis and the engine orer to the ordnance Shop47 The Metors fell from the elements the 12 of November 1833 on Thursday in washington it frightened the people half to Death48 |
57 1835 Joseph C pagget a Ship Carpenter by trade fell From the larbard side of united States frigate Columbia in washington navy yard he [fell] off the stage that led into one spare Deck ports and he never stop untel he Reached the Slip poor fellow he hollered manfully on the 11 day of may 1835 on Monday moring at sun Rise mr pagget never came out no untel august and he is a smart tractable man as anny you can scare up in washington or out of washington49 they wher a great turn out of the Merlicia [Militia] in washington on the 27 day of June 1835 on saturday they wher the Ragedis white people that ever i saw in my life and they uniforms was of old rags and them that wher officer they aplelts wher of cowes hoofs and they had Drums and fifes and they had clare inets ther Drums wher composed of olde tin pans and olde pots and all kinds of olde sheet iron and they fluts clare inets and fifes and bugles wher composed of Rams horn and oyster horns |
59 1835 the 28 day of July 1835 Tuesday they wher a great excitement prevailed in the washington navy yard a Bout some Compersision [compression] pins that wher forged in the Black Smith Shop they were a great many of them missin and they couldent give no account what became of them and they were orders given for them to keep a look out and to Deteced the person that were caught takein them and they caught the man at Dinner hour and he got outside of the gate before the sargent could catch him. i never shall forget the Sargent of the guard that day were sargent Denison But they were a united States warrent issued for the man and that night they caught the man and Brought him over and put him in Jail at that time they Wher rebuilding the Columbia frigate and the next day after this affair comodore Hull issued a [order] that no Mechanics or labores should not eat there Dinners in anny of those shops in Dinener hour and that time they were ship carpinters here from diferent parts of the country at work on the collumbia [Columbia] frigate and they got insilted at the ordes that50 |
60 1835 Commodore Hull ishsared and evry one of them struck and said they wouldnt work anny moore and at the same time they wher collered man from Baltirmoore by the name of isral Jones a caulker by Trade he was the foman caulker51 of those colerded caulkers and they wher fifteen or twenty of them here at that time caulkin on the Col lumbia and the Carpinters made all of them knock oft two them and i the height of this excitement they were a Rumor flying around about a colered man by the name of Snow about a expression he had made about the Mechanics wifes god kowes wether he said those things or not and at that time snow kept a Restaurant on the Corner of six street and pennsilvanian west in the cellar and at the time all the Mechanics of classes gathered into snows Restaurant and broke him up Root and Branch and they were after snow but he flew for his life and that night after they had broke snow up they threatened to come to the navy yard after commodore Hull But they didnt come that night and the nex day commodore Hull Received orders from the navy department from the Hon secretary of the navy Mr levy wood bury to fortify the yard52 |
61 1835 in such a provision to protect all the government property Therin and him selve at Risk of all hazards and the yard were as well fortified as anny place i ever saw less then not time it were in a fighting condition by commodore Hull i don't believe they were going to be trouble to the yard they done it to tantalize commodore Hull in all this excitement the 7 of August 1835 on friday it was reported that Mrs Doctor Thornton young Mulatto man said that he was going to knock his mistress in the head with axe and he were arrested and put in the Jail still the mob raged with great vigor and as fast as they were arrested they were lodged in Jail on the 8 day of August 1835 on saturday the mob surrounded the Jail and swear they would pull the Jail down and the Constable makin threats they said their objects was to get Mrs Thortons Mullateto man52a out and to hang him with out Judge or juror and evry effort was made by the Marshal of the District and the united States District Artoneny lawer Frances key Sr and the Hon53 |
68 1835 The lock up house they had put some drunking wom man in ther and i broke out of the lockup house then let the olde womman out then they Sur roundered me with their forces that night and put me back again and Mr Bury were the police oficer of the 6 ward and i were Brought out next morning on the 7 of September 1835 on monday [I was] brought before mr James Marshal Madistrate and mr. Marshal came out of his doore with to try the case in the street and i ask mr Marshal where was his ofice and mr Marshal then [said] it was the United States case and he wouldnt try it that it must be Retried by Docter Clark then the case where brought up for Witness they had to the lockup house again and kept me in the lockup until sun down then they tried the case and Doctor Clark sais gentelman you all have appeared against this colord man and i dont see a scratch of pin on anny of you54 |
69 1835 now gentelmen Who are going to pay this man master for beating him up with brick bats55 and stones Docter Clark said i am not going to be Humbug in this way anny longer for i will give this man up to commodore Hull Mr Bury take mike in the yard and give him up to th commodore and this was after some more and Bury police oficer take in me in the yard and give me to first lieutenant William J Belt and bury said Mr Belt here Shiner sire the squire has sent him to the yard sire and lieutenant Belt said oh Shiner you have bein whee the sun shines a lot again go along Shiner down to the orenary house On the 8 day of September i went to my work in the paint Shop on Tuesday and Captain galico come by the Riggin loft and Cauled to mr inch Master painter and told him to send that Shiner out ther and when i came out befor the captain which sais the captain i let you out on liberty sunday and you went fighting all over the City then the captain ask me was i fighting told yes sire i fought all i know how for they wher fighting me |
70 1835 I will sais he go long to your work sire if you hadent of told me the truth i was going to lick you sire and dont let here any more of it sire When i youster g drink liker i never Trouble anny person what ever without they would get after me and tantalise me and ploug me and when i found that anny body want to impose on me i all ways reiddy then for battle and i wher allways submission to a oficer cival or Milatary
Com modore Isaac Hull and his family left washington navy
yard the 2 day of october 1835 on friday
he gave his command up to captin John galigo commodore Hull com
manded washington navy yard 6
years and 6 Months and when he first came to the yard it was in a awful
condition commodore Hull wher a industres oficer and a scoialable gentelmen for
his work at washington navy yard proved his skill and industoana |
74 1836 the 12 of September 1836 on Monday the battle of North point wher celebrate in Washington by the Baltimorins and by diferent companys and Rigiments and the volinteesr companys of washington and the troops wher Commanded on that day by Major general Alexandria Mc Con[nell] of the united States Arm my and adjutant general Rodger Jones of the united States armmy and lieut Coln Robert Wainorright of the united States Merine Core and it wher a Betiful day and it wher a great parrade that day
The 10 of october 1836 on Monday a Detachment of united
States Merines left the Merine garison at washington under the Command of
captain Mc Cauly of the Marine
Core for the united States liner on the 4 day of December 1836 on Sunday i never have had a drop of licqer in my Mouth Since that time of no kind The united States general post ofice Burnt down in washington the 15 of December 1836 on Thursday |
77 1838 The Death of commodore Daniel patterson in washington navy yard the 25 of august 1839 on Sunday and wher Buried the 28 day of august 1839 on Wensday Commodore thomas holdup Steiphens takein Com mand of washington Navy yard in 183958
The Working class of people of the united States Machanic and laboures ought to never
forget the Hon ex president Van
Buran for the Ten hour sistom for when they youster have to work in the Hot Broiling
sun from sun to sun when they wher building the Treasure ofice before he gave
the time from six to 6 the laborer youster have to go ther and get the bricks
and Mortar up on the scaf fold befor the Masons come untel the president ishurd
a procclamation that all the Mechanics and laborous that wher employed by the day
by the federal government should work the ten hour Sistom from six to six i |
83 1844 Phillip P inch Master painter of the washington navy yard died 28 day of January 1844 on Sunday in Washington60 A distressing affaire takein place on board of the united States Steamer frigate princeton by the exsplosion of a a wraugh iron canon that was imvented by commodore Stockton and killed several gentelmen and the names wher the Hon Judge upshur wher killed and the Hon Mr gilmore was killed and the Hon Mr Maxwell wher killed and commodore Brady Cannon and a Colerd young man wher killed The Hon Colnel John Tyler ex president of the united States wher on Board that day Members of the Congress and various genteleman and ladies wher on board that day and Commodore John Haluck and other officers wher on board that day this happen on the 28 day of February 1844 on Wensday on that day Mr gustavus Higdon and My Selve wher up on ninth st west and a singalar Mark appeared in the elements and it Ran from the north west and from the north west and divided the sky between south |
84 1844 east and north east isaid to Mr higdon come here and look at this singular Mark across the elements and Mr Higdon said inever saw any thing like that befor sias i to him The lor hav Mercy on us something shurly going to happened and that eveng that sad affair accured and the lord have Mercy on them and i hope that ther souls are at Rest 61 The launching of the united States Sloop war St Marys at washington navy yard by the Constructor Conel Charles Broady assistant Builder Mr Sydney D porter and Mr Bengamin King Quarterman and Mr John Smith Quartemanon the 24 day of october on Thursday and the Hon Conel John Tyler the president of the united States wher present and all his Cabinet wher present. Commodore John H Aulick present Captain J G Sanders present 1 Lieut Pinkey present sailing Master Charles Morris was present Boatswain Wm Watters wher present Washington Bright gunner wher present and Citizens of all Classes wher ther that day 24 day of october 1844 on thursday and they wher Dinner given that day to the Mechanicks by Mr Richard Harrington |
85 1844 The united States Sloop of War Saint Marys emBarked from washington navy yard on the 13 day of Decenber 1844 on friday under the Command of Captain John G. Sanders and first lietenant Canady and his other sub Bordinate officers and crew a finer ship as ever floated on the Water She ran every thing down in the gulf of Mexico in the time of the Mexican War and when she had all her crew and ballast on board and stores she appeared on the water as if she hadn't anything in he. Colnel Charles Broady the Constructor and Mr Sydney D. Porter deserve great credit for the moddel of that ship. They have been as finer ship build at washington navy yard as ever wher in the built in the country for they are kept in commission longer The united States Sloop of war St Marys 17 years62 |
86 1845 [First two lines crossed out] The Majority of both houses of congress united States Senate and Representatives ennexation of Texas on the first day of March 1845 on saturday The National Theareter Burnt down on the 5 day of March 1845 on Wensday The Mexican Minister Demond Pass port the 6 day of March 1845 on thursday The united States iron Steamer water Witch Wher launch in washington navy yard the 20 day of March 1845 on Thursday Commodore John H Aulick wher present and Captain Aloious Doorening wher present on that day and first lt Boil wher present and Sailing Master Charlles Moris wher present and Boat swain Wm Watter. Befor the vessel cleared her selve she stop and they had to get purchasing out on the StarBoard63 and lar Board Sides befor they could get her oft The united States Slop of War St Marys embarked from gosport Navy Yard with sealed orders in april 1845 |
92 1846 commodore Charles Maculley takein command of Washington navy yard the 1 day of September 1846 on Tuesday they commenced hauling up the united States steamer Frigate orion on the 2 day of September 1846 Wensday and she was as hard a vessel to haul up for that qualiy as ever wher she Broke all the larg purches Block Straps and some of theme told com modore McCauley that they didnt think they could get her up that she was Breaking all of the puerches so commodore laid to them that Wouldent do that the vessel must come up and they never got her up untel the 12 of September 1846 on Saturday The last prorches that wher Riged for to finish hauling her up first lieut Zackerey Johnson that wher first lieutenant of the washington navy yard at that time had several fathoms of 1 class Frigate chain cable brought forward and strapped the block tempory with the cable and that brought her up and when she wher up they give all the Mechanic and labours ballance part of the day 64 |
103 1849 A fier took place on 8 Street east on the 14 of april 1849 on Saturday and the united States Brig Washington embark from Washington Navy yard the 8 day of May 1849 on Tuesday under the Command of lieutenant Wainright The iron united States Steamer Water witch embark from Washington navy yard the 28 day of May 1849 on Monday under the Command of lieutenant Tolten Died at his Residence in tenesee the Hon. Colonel James K polk ex president of the united U S on the 15 day of June 1849 on friday as fine a man never was When he came in as president of the U S he had his hands full for he had oregon and Mexico to content with and with the assistance of allmighty god when he left his chair he left erverthing good and faire Mr polk wher a gentelman and statesman and he followed the steps of the Hon Major general andrew Jackson as Much as anny man i ever saw65 |
105 1850 Died in Washington the Hon ex senator John C Calhoun from south carolina the 31 day of March 1850 on Sunday The hauling up of the u s Steamer Water Witch in washington navy yard the 28 day of May 1850 on Thursday the Hon Sceratary of the navy Wm Ballard preston wher down that day and Some more of the cabinet commodore Hon E Ballard wher present wher and Captain John B Montgomry and first lieut alfred Taylor and all the other officers of the yard wher present and the Secrtary of the Navy gave them all the Ballance part of the day both Mechanics and Laborer. Died in Washington at the presidents Mansion the Hon Major general Zachrier Taylor prendent of the united states on the 9 of July 1850 on tuesday and he was gentelman and all soilger66 |
108 1851 The united States Steamer Water Witch left the washington navy yard on the 10 day of august 1851 on Saturday about half past ten o'clock under the command of Lieut David porter and second in command Sailing Master Charles Morris and 3 Assistance engineere P C Bogardus Boat swain Wm Waters died in washington navy yard on the 7 of September 1851 on Sunday The death of a Son of Sar[geant] Major Mundel marine Sam Mundell was shot by man by the name of wells at the Eastern Branch on the 17 day of September 1851 on Wensday wells was tried by the Distrit Court on Friday and wher Sentenced to be hu[ng] on the 23 day of april on friday but the president of the u s had Mercy on his poor soul and countermanded the order and sentanced him to the u s penitentiary for life The death of Com modore louis Warrington in Washington 12 of october 1851 on Sunday67 |
110 1852 The Aidedecamps of Cosuth came to the Washington Navy Yard on the 3 day of January 1852 on Saturday general Cosuth and his officers came down to the washington navy yard the 10 of January 1852 on Saturday and was treated with greates respect by the Com modore henry E. Ballard and all his officers68 it snowed on the 5 day of January 1852 on Monday it snowed on the 16 day of January 1852 on Friday. The arival of the Mail Steamer Baltic on the 26 of February 1852 on friday in front of alexandria The Mail Steamer Baltic left on the 3 day of March 1852 on Wennsday on the 15 day of March 1852 they takein the Water witch and anchored her on monday for to try experiments |
111 1852 the first pile that were drove in the washington navy yard for the new marine railway69 in the upper ship house by the construction of capt Henry Bennon of the Ttorgraphical engineer Corps of the u s armmy and superintened by Mr Joseph Paget on the 29 day of march 1852 on monday the first scow load of dirt that were takein from the new mud Machine By the Supentends of Mr Jospeh pageton the 30 of march 1852 on Tuesday and was brought in The Dock Between the lower Ship and The ordnance Shop lieutenant John a Delran tried exeri[experiment]on the ion Steamer Water witch at washington navy yard and he fierd into her and sunk her on the 1 day of april 1852 on thursday laying of the keel of the u s Wooden Steamer Water witch on the 2 day of april 1852 on friday by order of the Constructor Mr Hen h over and Master Builder Mr idward foster at Washington Navy yard |
115 1852 Washington City the Death of Sargent Major venoran Dolitsey a uncommissiond officer of the u s marine corps a staff officer he died on the 8 day of october 1852 on friday Commodore Charles W. Morgan takein command of the washington navy yard on the 12 of october 1852 on tuesday commodore Henry E Ballard and all his officers and master Workmen Received him with grate honor as usual a salute was fired for him and commodore Henry E Ballard give his command to him that day 12 October 1852 on tuesday70 The united States Wooden Steamer water witch wher launch by the Construction of Mr Henry Hover and Mr edward Potter and Mr John Smith quarterman on the 21 day of october 1852 on Thursday and Mr Rathes McCuller quarterman and all the yard wher present |
116 852 The Death of the Hon Daniel Webster The Secretary of State he died the 24 day of october 1852 on Sunday at his Resid[ence] in Massachueusetts The united States Steaner Frigate Fulton arrived at washington navy yard the 11 of December 1852 on Tuesday on the 14 of December 1852 on Wensday on order sent down from the Navy Department by the Hon P Kenady the Secretary of the Navy for the Mechanics and labour to go to work at Sun Rise and on the morning of 15 the Bell Rang and all the men out at the gate and out of five hundred men there no more then twenty men there caried out that order and before twelve o clock that same day an order came down countermanding that order and all the Mechanic and laborers went to work at Ther old usual hour71 |
120 1853 A visit to the u S Steamer alleghany at the navy yard washington by the Honorable J G Dobbins the Secretary of the navy on the 22ndof october 1853 on Satturday He was received Cordially by Capt H Paulding and Capt. L M Powell and his officers and a formal salute of the guns was fired allowed to a Secretary of the navy he was Escorted on board the alleghany by Capt. L M Powell and the yards and Rigging all maned and that was done handsomely all to one thing They did not man the rigging as fast as I have Formaly Sien them The Death of george J young a Bricklayer a native of Baltimore fell about 30 feet from a Scaffold at the North west Corner of the new ordnance building the 26th day of april 1853 on tuesday The death of Patrick Place a native of Ireland in the rolling of pile he was jamied between the piles Along Sides of the New Ship house on the 6th day of may 1853 on wensday the death of Charles King a boy who was Accidently Shot a son of Sergeant Tansil was shot by Sergeant Luskeys boy by a discharge of a musket the 10th day of may 1853 on tuesday December 12th 1853 the expolsion of the Boiler of the Steam Engine No 1 in the washington navy yard and scalded a apprentice in the machinst in Department by the name of Charles King and he died on the 15th of December 1853 on Tuesday a son of the late martin ring The Second Stack that was built for the New Ordnance Building the first Brick that was laid by Mr J Rose for Mr. george H Plant undertaker on the 21th day november on monday 1853 She was finished and toped off the 14th day of December 1853 on wensday the first pile that was drove for the new Black Smith Shop by Mr W P Sango Civil Engineer and Mr. Joseph Paggett master labour between the new ordnance shop and the mould loft the 10th Day of December 18 1853 on Saturday Commenced laying the tracks of iron for the marine Railway by Capt W P Sango civil engineer and Mr Edward foster master carpenter the 28th day of november 1853 on monday the first Stone that was laid for the new saw mill By Mr W P Sango and Mr James phillips72 |
122 1851 Mr John Tucker a quarterman to his father Mr James Tucker [Here follow three lines which are heavily crossed out and illegible they probably related to the fire Michael Shiner had mentioned previously. ] They washed that house that day and the water Swept him away but he stayed and fought the fire until every Spark was out The post stone that Was layed at the upper Ship house by the conStruction engineer M S Rosencrantz civil engineer for the new rail way at the North West gable end of the old Ship house the 13 day of July 1853 on wensdays [by] James phillips master mason The death of Wm J Barry 22 april 1853 on friday a fine and well disposed young man and in the prime of His youth may the lord receive his soul in heaven The Son of the late francis Barry formerly a Chief clerk of the washington Navy yard formrly he was a Clerk in navy Store in washington Thursday the 4th of august 1853 the italians brig antagult arrived At the washington navy with two Statues for the u S Capitol Which they Called in Spanish Edelppike they was Carved in italy for the use of the u S Capitol the pieces of marble for the foundation of the Statutes were hauled by Mr Wm Clarks team eight fine Horses as ever was put in harness on the 9 day of augustus 1853 on Tuesday The first visit of that was paid to the washington navy yard by the honorable Brigadier general franklin Pierce president of the united States and the honorable J C Dobbins Secretary of the navy Commodore H paulding and Captain L M powell and Lieutenant E G Tilton and all the officers received them cordially with a salute to twenty one guns C morris and Lieutenant grayson of the marines M S nobel Chaplin and Thomas woodward naval Store keeper G Herold Chief Clerk to the Store keeper on the 6th of august 1853 on Satturday on the 6th day of July 1853 the first Brick that was layed for the New lodge the odd fellows hall fronting 8th Street west of the marine Barracks on the navy yard by John Rose quarterman73 and G H Plant Master mason on Tuesday on the 4th of July 1853 |
123 123 1853 There was excurSion of the navy School Children under the inStruction of Mr J H Peak Mr william Dixon and Mr S marks [The following two sentences have been crossed out and are not legible] tha I have not the time to mention [illegible] the u s arsenal a Cross the eastern Branch and I have been informed that they had a blessed time of it The death of George Edwards formily a member of the Marine band and he use to play the Bugle and he was a Splendid Player as ever was heard on the Bugle he was liked by General Henderson he attended him often as the Doctor did and Lieutenant Charles henderson visited him until his death He has left to mourn his lost a wife and three Children Him and his wife use to work industrious to gethr he A industious hard working man the 3rd day of June on Tuesday74 Captain Hiram Paulding taken Command of the washington navy yard on the 31th day of January 1853 on monday And he was received by Capt L M. Powel and all his officers First Lieutenant E G Tilton Lieutenant J A Dahlgren Sailing master Charles morris and passed midshipman H C Simms and Mr George wilmouth Boatswain. Clerk D mccomb chief clerk Y D Beule and Richard Barry Clerk of the Yard Clerk to the Purser Mr ellis Chief Engineer James Tucker master Black Smith able J davis master plumber and edward foster assistant Constructor BB Curran master Joiner a woodward master Blockmaker and John Peake master painter James A. mcCathran Master gun carriage maker Mr J padgett over Seer of the Yard Hands A salute of Thirteen guns was fired the usual salute The trying of the new patent Boiler of the U.S. Steamer Vixen by W M ellis chief engineer of the washington navy yard under the Command of C w morris Sailing master of the yard on the 9th day of february 1853 on wensday They went nearly 44 miles Down the river the Same Day75 |
124 1853 The montgomery guards under the command of Captain Barton Key76 And the Boon Rifleman under captain M E Bright paid a visit to Baltimore on Monday the 10th of September 1853 Mr william Ellis resigned his Situation he was the Chief engineer of the washington navy yard on Satturday the 10th day of September 1853 Mr Francis Nerhany taken charge of the Navy Store on Thursday 1853 first of September the u S Steamer San francisco got lost on her way to California with u S Troops on board and amongst the lost was Colnonel washington and major Taylor and his wife on the 24th day of December 1853 on Saturday77 The death of major Bliss Son in law of the later president general Zachaih Taylor The 5th day of august 1853 on friday Mr william Clark teams hauled the first statues that came to the navy yard in the brig atarguld for the united States capitol the 11th of august 1853 on Thursday then he hauled the Second the 12th day of august 1853 on friday from the italian Brig at the washington navy yard the 15 day of August 1853 on monday the first Statutes were raised by Clark mills under taker and Mr George wilmouth Boatswain of the United States Navy the 20 day of august 1853 on Saturday The second statutes was raised on the 22th day of August 1853 on monday There is not such team in the District of Columbia as those horses of Mr william H Clark they was all drild by There Driver ose hollom By orders of the honorable Brigadier General franklin pierce President of the united states and by orders of the Honorable J C Dobbins the Secretary of the navy there was two Seamen Brought from norfolk in the United States Steamer Engineer by Captain Olmstead and carried through the united State arsenal to the united States Prision in washington on the 20th day of march 1853 on monday for there mutinous Conduct the Death of Doctor James overstreet a Son Mrr Easby the 29th of February 1853 on Thursday in San francisco |
133 1855 BenJamin mcCathran got his hand Caught under one of the lines of the U S Steamer minaSota in the washington navy yard Between the lower Ship House and the new Block Shop the 9 Day of february 1855 on friday a Son of Mr James McCathran his age was 21 years and six months a Bricklayer by Trade and served his time apprenticeship under Mr. George Plant and died on friday morning at Three oclock the 23rd of february 185578 James Baker a Ship Carpenter a native of Baltimore Fell from the Starboard Side of the Steamer minaSota near the Starboard quarter about 30 feet on the 21 day of february 1853 on wensday in the Washington Navy yard The first Stone That was Layed for the new Trip hammer by the orders of Captain W.P. Sanger and James Phillips Master mason in the washington navy yard on the 116th day of february on friday 1855 The house of the honorable Colonel Thomas H Benton Caught a fire on the 27th Day of february 1855 on Tuesday and it was ConSumed a Great many valuable papers and Books and it was so Cold that water would Freeze in the hose as fast as they Would pump it they Could have Saved more of the house only for the Scarcity of water. They finiShed framing of the u S Steame frigate mineSota at the washington navy yard the Constructor S M Pook and mr edward foster and their Quarterman and the last after cant peice of wood was Shiped on the first day of February 1855 on Tuesday on the larboard Side The death of Mr Robert Mills arChitect of the Public Buildings a native of South Carolina he died at washington the 3rd day of March 1855 on Satturday |
134 1854 The Casting of a Cylinder of the u S Steamer minaSota by the order of Mr H hunt Chief Engineer of the washington navy yard And Mr W H Bland and andrew leonard quarterman Commodore H Paulding was present and Captain Thomas Petigru and first Lieutenant Jospeh Lanman was present and Sailing master G morris and Mr A G Davis maSter Plumber and Mr Joseph Padgett over Seer of the yard Hands and a great many other Spectators and it was Cast HandSomely with out any accident the 3rd day of March 1855 on Satturday 79 The first Stone that was layed for Building of the new Trip hammer by the order of Captain W P Sanger Mr James Philips master mason the Eastward of the Iron Foundry Sitting north of The anchor and machine Shop the 2nd day of april 1855 on monday Setting Down of the anvil Block by purchase that was rigged by Sailing master C.W. morris and Mr George wilmoth Boatswain and under the Superintendence of the Captain W.P. Sangor and the Chief engineer Mr henry Hunt and M. George Wilson Foreman and Mr. Joseph Padgett overseer of the yard hands the 4th day of april on Wensday 1855 There was a Couple of gentleman came the washington Navy yard on the 7th day of april 1855 on Satturday With a qurk for a experiment he proceded South of the North West end of the new ordnance Shop then running north of the ordnance Shop Then turning east again north of the rocket Shop |
138 1855 Then They proceeded to Commodore French Forrest quarters accompanied by the marine band the President and his Cabinet and members of Congress and Senators and Representatives and officers of Different regiments all of them Partaken of a fine Dinner at the Commodores that day the Chief Constructor of the united States Navy Mr John Lenthal and Mr S m Pook the first Day of December 1855 on Satturday80 There was a Little misunderstanding in putting the Ship on the Stocks And They had to Raise the ways Some two feet And a half aft and lower them forward and where She when out She Sprung Some of her Beams and Broke Some of her knees and Thank the kind providence that it was no worse on the first of December 1855 on Satturday There was a Fine dinner furnished by the Government to the mechanics and Labours of all Classes in the mold Loft in the washington navy yard after the launch of the united States Steamer frigate minasota and they had a Plenty of to eat and they Conducted them Selves well as any Men as I have ever seen in all my life Commodore Forrest French And his officers Deserves the greatest Credit for preparing for the launching of the vessel and for warning all persons to keep out of danger and with the assistance of kind Providence every thing went off beautifully and handsomely on that day an not a soul was hurt and the mechanics that was selected by the Superintend the Dinner was from Different Departments The dinner was furnished by a man out side the navy yard and it was a splendid one And Those mechanics that that was Selected from Different Departments in the navy yard they acted as a committee and conducted the whole affair well in the first of December 1855 on Satturday |
151 1857 The Death of Honorable Lieutenant Colonel Preston S Brooks A member of Congress from South Carolina he died at Browns Hotel in washington DC on the 17th day of January 1857 on Thursday A man by the name James BranSon fell from the Rafter of the South gable end of the forge Shop the 9th day of January 1857 on friday on the 17th day of January 1857 on Satturday it commenced Snowing It Snowed all day the 18th of January 1857 on Sunday And it Snowed without intermission until the 19th day of January 1857 on Monday and it was cold as I ever felt it in my life In some places I Suppose in Diferent parts of the Country it drifted upwards of 30 feet in Washington City in the valleys and the ditches it drifted about 10 and 12 feet81 |
156 1857 The first Starting of the new Engine of the new machine Shop at the Washington navy yard on the 20th day of June 1857 on Satturday by the Superintendance of the Chief Engineer Mr henry hunt and Mr Edward Bright The Great hail Storm in washington DC the Commencement of the Storm was Clouds raised at the South west and more off to the North west abd and every Shewed Lighening and Looking at apparently i did not look as it was going tot he be anything But turn in on the 21th day of June 1857 on Sunday and it was the Largest hail That I ever Saw in my life and it fell with out intermission For about fifteen minutes The first day of June on monday 1857 the Election taken Place in Washington city and there was a great excitement among the People at different precincts. There was about fifteen or twenty men gone from Baltimore in time of the election was going on. And cull them Selves plug uglys and they went to the poles and interfered with the Election and raised such a excitement that the mayor and the whole of the police force could not sop them and they was forced to call on the president of the united States and the Secretary of the navy for aid of the u S marines for to preserve the peace and the Secretary of the navy the honorable Mr Toucy issued an order to Brigadier General archibald henderson a commander of the marine forces and The marines was ordered to get ready and there was about one hundred and ten in number and was Commanded by Captain henry B tyler and Brevet captain william R Maddox and acting adjutant Lieutenant Charles henderson and they marched them to City hall and reported to the mayor And in the mean Time they Was formed in line there was stones throwned At them and Pistols fired at Them and one of the marines was shot in the face and severely wounded and it was supposed that the marines fired Through a mistake of order and there was Several People killed And wounded82 |
158 1857 The first Bricks that was Laid for the ExtenSion of the East Wall At the washington navy yard onthe 30th day September 1857 on wensday The united States Steamer fulton Sailed from washington navy yard under the Command of Captain almer on the 10th day of october 1857 on Wensday The first stone was laid for a large ice house in washington navy yard by the orders of Captain W. P. Sanger on the 14th day of October 1857 on wensday and the Brick caved in an caught two Labours and one was a native of germany and the other of ireland The first keel that was laid for those Bell Boats83 was Built in the washington navy yard on the 23rd day of october 1857 on friday by the orders of Captain W.P. Sango Civil Engineer and Mr Edward Bright Chief Engineer of the washington navy yard and Mr Thomas Champion master Boiler Maker and Mr John Smith quarteramn The arrival of the united States Sloop of war plymouth in front of the u S Arsenal at Wshington under the Command of Captain J. A. Dalhgren With her Sails Crowded and firing a Salute at the Same Time on the 18th day of novemebr 1857 on wensday and no the leastr Doubt That being as the Channel is narrow She got off Track And She got a ground And She never got up to the navy yard until the 21st day of november 1857 on Satturday and Commodore Joseph Smith Chief of the yards and Docks Come up in her and Captain ingraham Bureau of ordnance When I Seen her coming up and her Sails Crouded And firing a Salute my whole Sould was filled with Joy to See her Come up so pretty and when I heard tha she was a ground my Feather fell on the 30th day of may 1857 on monday the united States frigate Potoma c under the Command of Commodore John Downs and first Lieutenant Shubrick CroSSed that bar with all of he rguns Except five Cannonade 2 pounder of the Spar Deckguns |
160 1857 The Surrender of major General walker commander in Chief of the Fillibuster army Surrendered him Self and his forces to Commodore Hiram Paulding who waS in command of the home Squadron at Niguruiga on tuesday the 8th day of December 1857 and it is a Great Blessing that he fell in the hands of Commodore Paulding. Although great many People think he committed a error But I believe now the people of this country that are well Wishers of their fellow men believe that it was a great piece of Charity restored on General walker and his men by Commodore Paulding arresting him I am in hopes that the people of this country Will appreciate Commodore Paulding proceedings and all such men like him that will look out for the honour of their Country and the wellfare of the People as General walker fell into the hands of Commodore Paulding Rather then for him to fall into the hands of great Britain or any other nation for when General walker was there before they Suffered misery and Death and God knows what would Be the fate this time if any Surrendering to be Done let it to your own country When a man has violated his laws with or on his responsibility let him Submit to his law like a man84 Snowed on the 25th day of December 1857 on friday Snowed on the 26th day of December 1857 on Satturday |
162 1858 The Death of Mr Philip otterbach Senior in washington DC on the 6th day of February 1858 on Thursday after a long Spell of Sickness and for my Self Michael Shiner I have know Mr. Otterbach ever Since I was a Boy and for those last years I have Had considerable dealing with him and I always Found him to be a perfect Gentleman The new Code of laws in the District of Columbia Was voted Down on the 17th Day of february 1858 on monday85 Captain Turner had Snow piled up in the Washington Navy Yard for to Commence filling the ice house for There was a great appearance of a Scarcity ice on the 15th day of february 1858 on monday They Commenced filling the ice house with Snow on the 16th day of february 1858 on tuesday and by order of Commodore Lavallette and Captain Tierney and Mr Joseph Padgett overSeer of the yard hands and the remainder of the officers of the yard the ice house waS nearly filled86 The raising of the Statute of the honorable major General George WaShington At Richmond The Capitol of virginia on the 23nd of february 1858 on monday The Death of Commodore matthew C Perry he died in new york on The 5th day of march 1858 on friday |
168 1858 The Lost of The mail Steamer austoia on the High Seas by fire on the 13th day of September 1858 on monday When I first Discovered the Comet it was between North West and North East until then it enlarged and work its Way South on the 13th day of September 1858 on monday87 The united States Steamer water witch Left washington navy yard on the 21th day of September 1858 on Tuesday The united States Steamer fulton Left washington navy yard on the 22th day of September 1858 on wensday The first Bricks That was Layed for the Extension of the naval Store at washington navy yard by the orderCaptain W. P. Sango Civil Engineer Mr James Philipps master Mason on the 28th day of September 1858 on TueSday The first Bricks that was laid for the new anchor Shop in the Washington navy yard by the orders of Captain W. P. Sango Mr James Philipps master mason on the 27th day of october 1858 on wensday |
172 1859 The Death of william Nokes and James wilson in washington navy yard by the explosion of a Gun and others wounded on 14th of July 1859 on Thursday Commenced moving out of the old anchor Shop in washington navy yard by the order of Commodore Buchanan and Captain Charles Turner and Captain W.P. Sanger into the new anchor Shop by the superintendence of James Tucker Master BlackSmith and James Tucker quarteman on Friday the 15th day of July 1859 on Friday afternoon when the funeral taken place orders were given by first Lieutenant murray of the wshington navy yard a the Roll Office that all the mechanics and labour Should answer their Starboard and Larboard Muster and pass out the main Gate to attend the funeral of the men who was killed88 The arrival of the united States Steam frigate minaSota at Charlestown navy yard massachusetts under the Command of Captain Dupont on the 29th day of July 1859 on friday Commenced Launching of the united States Steamer anacosta off the Marine railway on the 2nd day of August on Tuesday They finished Launching The united States Steamer anacosta on the 3rd day of august 1858 on wensday Hauling up of the united States Steamer anacosta Stern foremast on the marine railway at washington navy yard on the 22th day of august 1859 on Satturday Commenced working the new Engine in the new anchor Shop in the washington navy yard on the 22th day of august 1859 on monday The arrival of Expresident Brigadier general franklin Pierce and His Lady at Charleston massachusettes on the 27th day of august 1859 on monday Lauchin of the united States Steamer anacoSta at washington navy yard on the 26th day of august 1859 on friday |
176 1860 The arrival of the Jappanese at the washington navy yard on the 15th day of May 1860 on monday and they was received by Commodore franklin Buchanan who was in Command of the washington navy Yyrd andCaptain McBlair and first Lieutenant Lewis and 2nd Lieutenant Charles Simms Was present and Several members of the Congress and the Honorable Major General Cass Secretary of the State and the Hoorable John C. Breckinridge Vice President of the United States and the Honorable John C. Lloyd Secretary of War and the Honorable Howell Cobb Secretary of the Treasury and the Honorable Isaac Tucey Secretary of the Navy and several Foreign Ministers and areat number of Citizens was in the Navy Yard and the Japanese was escorted from the navy yard to Willard's Hotel by the United States Marines under the Command of Terrett and on the 16th day of May 1860 on Tuesday they called on the President of the United States the Honorable James Buchanan and the Secretary of State the Honorable Major General Lewis Cass and they stayed here in Washington city until the treaty was made89 on the 20th day of May 1860 on Satturday there was a great Storm in washington City and it Blowed the top of a house off that Belonged to Judge Douglas Senator of the united States90 South Carolina Seceded from the union on the 15th day of December 1860 on friday |
177 1861 Honorable abraham lincoln arived in washington on the 2 of march 1861 on Saturday and takin his seat on 4 of March 1861 Fort Sumter Command by Major anderson were fiered upon on the 12th of april 1861 on friday on the 15 of april president lincoln issued proclamation for 75 Thousand men on monday the 6th Massachusts Regiment were atacked in Baltimoore by a Mob while on its way to washington the 19th day of april 1861 on friday There was Senators and representatives in the Washington Navy Yard on Monday night the 22 of April 1861 on the 20th of April 1861 on Saturday president lincoln levied on all the Steam Boats in the potomack and had them Brought to Washington navy yard and They was bringing the Boats to the yard all night Satturday night and a the Same time marshal law was declared by the honorable abraham lincoln Pesident of the united States and the honorable W.H. Steward Secretary of State And on the 22nd of april 1861 onmonday there were Different companys ordered in to washington navyyard to guard the government property and the same time the navy yard under the command of Captain John A Dalhgren Who Deserves great credit for he stood by the Government and Fought for it in the Darkness of its hours and long may he live Adn on the 22nd of april 1861 on monday they commenced Hauling flour from the Different Ware houses in Washington DC and Georgetown to the Capitol of the united States91 |
178 1861 There was Senators and Representatives Garerding in the Washington navy yard on monday night the 22th of april 1861 The 7th new york Regiment arrived in washington on the 23d Day of april 1861 on tuesday The 21th new york Regiment arrived in Washington on the 18th day of may 1861 on Thursday on the first Day of June 1861 on Satturday Justice Clark was sent Down to the Washington navy yard For to administer the oath of allegiance to the mechanics and the Labouring Class of working men With out DistincSion of Colour for them to Stand by the Stars and Stripes and defend for the union and Captain Dalgrren Present and I believe at that time I michael Shiner was the first Colered man that had taken the oath in washington DC and that oath Still Remains in my heart and when I had taken that oath I Taken It in the presence of God without predudice or enmity to any man And I intent to Sustain That oath with The assistance of Almighty God until I die for when a man takes an oath For a Just cause it is more then taking a Drink of water Sitting Down to his Breakfast92 The first Battle of Bull Run on The 21th day of July 1861 on Sunday The Emancipation of the DC of Columbia on the 16th Day of April 1862 on Wensday by the Senate and the house of Representatives and Signed by the president of the united States the Honorable abraham lincoln and the Secretary of State the Honorable Wm H. Seward and Thanks Be to the Almighty |
182 1865 And on the fourth of march 1865 on Saturday the hon Abraham Lincoln taken his Seat Before he Came out on the porch to take his [seat] the wind blew and it rained with out inter mistion and as soon as Mr Lincoln came out the wind ceasis blowing an the rain ceased raining and the Sun Came out and it was near as clear as it could be and calm and at the mean time there was a Star made its apperence west rite over the Capitol and it Shined just as bright as it could be95 on the 23rd day of March on Thursday 1865 the Hon Abraham Lincoln Left washington on thursday for the Armmy of the potomac and there he Staid till richmond whear taken |
184 1865 and the Hon Abraham Lincoln with them. and 1865 The Hon abraham Lincoln was assanated on the 14 of April on good friday knight at fords theater in washington and on friday evening before he was assanated Mr Licoln and his Lady whear Both down at the washington navy on good friday the 14 186596 |
This book is a verry valuable book and it is very interesting.
It is worthy of perusal and the author Michael Shiner was a patriot. May he rest in peace.
Captain W.H. Crowly |
Michael Shiner His Book Washington DC Navy Yard 9th St No 474 |
[End of Manuscript]
1. Report of Committees of the House of Representativesfor the Second Session of the Forty-Second Congress Michael Shiner testimony (pages 471-473) Government Printing Office Washington DC 1872
2. District of Columbia Department of Education, Special Report of the Commissioner of Education on the Condition of Public Schools in the District of Columbia , Submitted to the Senate June 6, 1868 and to the House with Additions June 13, 1870. (Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1870): 215, 221.
3. Significant racial tension was evident at the WNY from its beginning as the Department of the Navy attempted with some limited success to manage a workforce of white mechanics and laborers with free blacks and significant numbers of slaves. See Dudley, page 524 and Sharp pages 16-17.
4. Commandant Isaac Hull letter to the Naval Board of Commissioners dated 5 April 1830, National Archives and Records Administration RG 45
5. Commandant Isaac Hull letter to the Board of Naval Commissioners dated 8 May 1829 NARA RG 45
6. Navy Yard Hill was for most of the 19th century the residential area immediately around the Washington Navy Yard. Capitol Hill was the name for the area as far east as 6th Street Southeast, after which it was Navy Yard Hill.
7. The Congressional Cemetery was established in 1802. Among the cemetery founders was Commodore Thomas Tingey. Many of the early employees of WNY are buried within its grounds including Thomas Howard Michael Shiner's master. The cemetery of Washington DC like nearly everything else was strictly segregated with blacks excluded until well into the 20th century. .
8. Lloyd Pumphrey, a District of Columbia building contractor, may have owned Michael Shiner prior to January 1828 when he was sold to Thomas Howard Sr, the Chief Clerk, Washington Navy Yard. There is no conclusive proof but the Pumphrey family owned Michel Shiner's first wife Phillis and the couple's three children and all attended Ebenezer Methodist Church. See June 5, 1833 for Manumission document for Phillis Shiner and the couple's three children.
9. The United States Army, in June 1812, totaled just 6, 744 officers and men, while the Congress had authorized a greater force for later that year the country still relied on the militia system of uniformed state citizen-soldiers who were all volunteers with their own elected officers. Uniforms and weapons were supplied either by the men themselves or their officers. WNY had its own Navy Yard Rifle Company (later Stull's Rifle Company), but like most militia companies the Yard's had more enthusiasm then military skill. Benjamin Latrobe who knew the Yard well wrote (1807) that "Upon the whole I find that Navy Yard cannot produce a single good rifleman" See 1834 page 57 for Michael Shiner's comments on another group of District militia.
10. Wheelers Ferry was across the Anacostia River.
11. Commodore Joshua Barney 1759-1818 was born in Baltimore MD he fought in numerous engagements in the American Revolution. He later fought in the war of 1812 and took part in the defense of Washington. He was badly wounded at the Battle of Bladensburg and taken prisoner by the British. He died in 1818 while traveling to his new property in Pittsburg PA.
12. Battle of Bladensburg MD was fought on August 24 1814. At the battle the American militia and regular army units were defeated by British troops and British troops were able to enter Washington DC and burn the Capitol and White House. Commodore Thomas Tingey and other Yard employees burned the Washington Navy Yard less it fall into British hands. The battle was derisively referred to as the "Bladensburg Races" due to the overwhelming British victory and hasty American retreat.
13. The Congreve rocket named for inventor William Congreve. The rocket was made up of an iron case of black power. for propulsion and either an explosive or incendiary. The warheads were attached to wooden guide poles and were launched in pairs from half troughs on simple metal. They could be fired up to two miles although at any range they were fairly inaccurate and had a tendency for premature explosion. They were as much a psychological weapon as a physical one for they were rarely or never used except alongside other types of artillery. They were used at Battle of Fort Mc Henry hence "rockets red glare" in our National Anthem
14. The freezing cold and disease Michael Shiner refers to is confirmed in local and national records. In 1815 Mount Tambura on the island of Sumbawa, (modern Indonesia) erupted killing perhaps 100, 000 people and throwing immense amounts of ash and volcanic particles into the earth's atmosphere which led to drastic changes in weather patterns around the world. The year 1816 became know as' the poverty year', "eighteen hundred and froze to death" and the year with no summer'. Temperatures in Washington DC in June and July of 1816 were only in the low 60's. The damage to local crops and livestock caused by killing freezes in July and August drove farm prices up (e.g. oats went from 12 cents to 92 cents a bushel) and caused wide spread hunger and malnutrition among the poor of the District leading to out breaks of disease. The situation did not begin to improve until 1817.
15. Descriptions and records of weather by Michael Shiner occupy a large portion of his manuscript and were a major interest and an important factor in his work life and that of his colleagues. Changes in weather were crucial since most WNY employees worked out doors especially laborers and slaves. The workforce was primarily composed of per diem workers and the practice at WNY and other federal shipyards was to retain only the absolute number of these men necessary for a given shop to operate or complete a ship repair. Accurate weather observations were therefore useful in projecting the number and types of workers required. Cold weather meant that large numbers of laborers (unlike carpenters painters and blacksmiths who could work in a shop or shed) would be laid off until warmer weather made outdoor projects feasible. Early records reflect this trend as work was often reduced by 20% or more during the winter months (American State Papers Volume 1 848). Commandant Isaac Hull recognized this as a problem and did his best to keep as many laborers on the station rolls through the winter as possible observing that: "They have large families and can not make a cent to support them except what they receive from their labor at this yard. If I discharge them now I see no way for them to live through the winter (Maloney 422)."
16.The Reverend Payton is: Yelverton T. Peyton 1797 - 1831 who was the pastor of the Ebenezer Methodist Church in 1822 and 1823 when Michael Shiner attended the Watch service he records. Lloyd Pumphrey and various members of his family were members of Ebenezer Methodist Church. Phillis Shiner and her children were slaves of the Pumphrey family. The Ebenezer Methodist Church was locate between 4th and G Streets Note 2: A "Watch Meeting " AKA Watch Night Service is the New Year service where the many Methodist and other District churches congregations met to pray in the New Year This information kindly supplied by Ms Gale Munro see also Ferguson W. M. (Rev.) Methodism in Washington .
17.Colonel William Doughty 1773 -1859 worked for many years as naval constructor (similar to naval architect) at WNY. He was popular among many WNY mechanics and laborers and was supportive of the 1835 strike. That same year WNY Commandant Isaac Hull appealed to the Board of Naval Commissioners unsuccessfully to have Doughty removed. William Doughty career as a shipbuilder was long and very successful by 1850 his real property was enumerated on the DC census as $ 35000.00
18.Benjamin King (1779-1837) was for many years WNY Master Blacksmith. His salary when first appointed by the Board of Naval Commissioners on 15 August 1817 at a salary of $ 1500.00 per year. King did much of the early iron work for the nation's capitol and held numerous early District public offices. As Master Blacksmith he supervised the anchor shop which employed as many as 19 slaves including 5 owned and leased to WNY by King. In 1830 WNY Commandant Isaac Hull unsuccessfully appealed to the Board of Naval Commissioners to remove Benjamin King for alleged incompetence. Benjamin King was later demoted to a non supervisory position. He is buried in Congressional Cemetery.
19. The Long Bridge was built in 1808 and was a toll bridge. The bridge was nearly a mile in length and by the late 1820's, the time of Michael Shiner journey, the bridges wood supports had begun to rot making walking precarious.
20.The WNY Daily Log for 1827 provides the official Yard account of the fire at Alexandria VA. Thursday Jan. 18th 1827 - These 24 hours fresh gales from the N.W. very severe cold frost morning. Laborers Riggers Ordinary Men Carts & Oxen working as above until half past 11 o'clock A.M. when Bell rung a letter from the Secretary of the Navy read aloud to the Workmen requesting Commandant Tingey to send all the force within his power to Alexandria to extinguish a large fire that took place there; the men took two fire engines and proceeded to Alexandria where they arrived about two o'clock; at about 3 o'clock they had orders from Capt. Booth to proceed home with the fire engines as all fire was extinguished by the exertions of the people of Alexandria City of Washington & Georgetown; they got the engines back to the Navy Yard about 5 o'clock PM. One of the Engineers got broke in some respect in going down but was temporary mended
21. The mizzen mast was the after most mast in a three masted ship. The shrouds were standing rigging which stretched from the side of the ship to the mast.
22. Rigging Screws were used to hold rigging which was the general name used to hold masts, spars.
23. Larboard or port is the left side of a ship or vessel.
24. Samuel Southard was Secretary of the Navy from 16 Sep 1823 - 3 Mar 1829.
24a. "Friday - Independence Day Chesapeake and Ohio Canal commenced. Between seven and eight I went with my son John to the Union Hotel of Georgetown where the assembly the President and Director of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company, Mayor and Committee of the Corporations of Washington, Georgetown and Alexandria. The Heads of the Departments, foreign ministers and a few other invited persons. About eight oıclock a procession was formed and proceeded by a Band of music to the wharf where we embarked in the Steam boat Surprise followed by two others we proceeded to the entrance of the Potomack Canal and up to a spot selected for breaking the ground. The President of the Chesapeake Canal with a very short address delivered to me the Spade with which I broke the ground addressing the surrounding auditory consisting perhaps of two thousand persons. It happened that at first stroke of the spade it met immediately under the surface with a large stump of tree after repeating the stroke three or four times without making any impression threw off my coat and resuming the spade, raised a shovel full of the earth at which a general shout broke forth from the surrounding multitude and I completed my address which occupied about fifteen minutes.
The incident that chiefly relieved me was the obstacle of the stump, which met and rejected the spade and my casting off my coat to overcome the resistance - It struck the eye and fancy of the spectators, more then all the rhetoric in my speech and diverted their attention from the stammering haste taken of a deficient memory."
This foot note is transcribed from the diary of President John Quincy Adams (1767-1848) which is now on line at http://www.masshist.org/jqadiaries/ The Adams Diary covers the years 1779-1848. This entry is from Diary number 36, 1 January 1825-30 September 1830, page 20.
25.Commodore Thomas Tingey like many prosperous naval officers employed a number of slaves. On the 1820 District of Columbia census, he is enumerated as having five slaves. His slave footman was not the first to feel his wrath. Tingey was a rough and even brutal master, something of his attitude toward his slaves can be glimpsed in his 1821 reward notice for the runaway Sukey Dean:
Whereas my servant Surrey calling herself Sukey Dean is strolling about the city, or in the vicinity sometimes attempting to hire herself out as a free women asserting she has my assent to do so; neither are true. She is short thick women of a yellow complexion now advancing to forty years of age, is a very good family cook, washes and irons well and understands the management of same - in short if her tongue were safely extracted she would be a most excellent servant. She has been a short time at the residence of Samuel H. Smith Esq. but finding that I assented to her remaining there immediately left. But whosoever will secure her in jail or otherwise of the three days advertisement in the city newspapers sells her at public venue for cash shall have on fourth of what she sells for in full cash less any charges.
Thomas Tingey
Navy Yard Washington
(Daily-National Intelligencer
16 August 1821)
26.At sea the boatswain would use a starter which was the end of thickly mounted rope to galvanize or strike sailors to climb a ships mast or do some difficult tasks. In this instance it clearly appears to have been used to discipline WNY slaves.
27. Commodore John Rodgers (1772-1837) had a long and distinguished naval career he served in both the Quasi War with France and in the War of 1812 and was later President of The Board of Naval Commissioners. The Board was a United States Navy administrative body in existence from 1815 to 1842, with responsibility for the Navy's material support. Commodore Rodgers was President of the Board 1815 -1824 and again from 1827 -1837.
28. The 1870 report on District of Columbia Schools (see page 274) gives the location as near "Eight Street between N and O Street in the Northern section of the City a location known as " Nigger Hill" at that time center of a large colored population."
29. The Piscataway Creek is a tributary of the Potomac River in Prince Georges County Maryland.
30.From the WNY surviving Daily Station Logs for the year 1828 there are two entries recording Michael Shiner activities. For Saturday 27 December1828, the officer of the watch, recorded: "Michael Shiner who has liberty out from Wednesday till Friday Morning has not come to the yard" Again on Sunday 28 December 1828, we read: " This day pleasant airs from the SW and fair weather. Michael Shiner got home this evening."
31. Traditionally the term Jolly Boat refers a boat carried on a ship, powered by 4 or six oars and occasionally yawl rigged sails.
32. Salvadore Catalano was a native of Palermo, Sicily; He served as pilot to Captain Decatur burning of Tripoli in the wars against the Barbary Pirates. On the return of Captain Decatur to the Washington Navy Yard, Catalano chose to stay with the US Navy and was promoted to sailing-master. He worked for many years at the Yard and Michael Shiner would have known him well. He died March 4, 1846.
33. Commodore Isaac Hull commanded the Washington Navy Yard from March 31 1829 to October 1 1835.
34.The new Yard Commandant, Isaac Hull, made many changes upon assuming command in 1829. Isaac Hull was a former Captain of the USS Constitution and hero of the War of 1812 was known for running a "tight ship", in contrast to Commandant Tingey (who was popular with the men) Hull was of a more taciturn disposition. In 1835 he was nearly 60 years old and suffering from acute hearing loss due to his many exposures to cannon and shell noise. After his appointment as Commandant Hull rapidly found that mechanics at the Yard enjoyed many freedoms he was unfamiliar with in setting work priorities. Commandant Hull's subsequent actions to restrict the mechanics customary practices combined with the WNY mechanics demand for a ten hour work day led to the strike of 1835
35. This solar eclipse was widely seen in the United States and for many people was a sign of dread and foreboding. An unsuccessful motion was even made in the U.S. House of Representatives to adjourn for the occasion. The black enslaved preacher Nat Turner saw this same eclipse as a vision from God of a "black angel" overtaking a "white angel". Turner's slave rebellion gained impetus among other slaves and on August 13 Turner saw yet another spectacle - a naked eye sunspot. His rebellion began on August 21 but was quickly crushed and he and some of followers were. See: Lewis P Masur 1831 The Year of the Eclipse.
36.Basil Brown was born in MD in 1803 he manumitted some time before 1850 worked as a laborer and his name is lasted enumerated on the 1870 DC census where he is listed owning property worth $ 3000.00.
Camboose is an older nautical term for a metal ships kitchen constructed to prevent a fire aboard wooden war ships these were constructed at WNY.
Phillip Inch was Master Painter was Michael Shiner's day to day supervisor.
37. The "Ordinary house" is where the ordinary seamen were lodged when stationed a naval yard or in transit to another station.
38. Michael Shiner in hitting his master Thomas Howard back was risking at the very least a severe beating but by playing "crazy" he managed to convince Captain Aulick and apparently Thomas Howard not to discipline him. See page 37 where Michael Shiner adopted a similar strategy when he struck a Clement Hewitt a District magistrate.
39. Captain John H. Aulick, Commanded the Washington Navy Yard from March 7 1843 to February 21 1841.
40.Thomas Howard Sr was WNY Chief Clerk. Howard was Michael Shiner's owner from 1828 -1832. The Thomas Howard family had at least four other slaves in addition to Michael Shiner. Thomas Howard's mother was in her 70' in 1831. The Howard residence was on the NE corner of 3rd and E Street.
41.In 1832 cholera was a relatively new disease having just arrived in the United States from Asia by way of Europe. While there is no exact mortality figures for Washington DC in 1832 the disease killed over 3000 people in New York and over 4000 in New Orleans that same year.
42.Michael Shiner is referring to the "Nullification Crisis" which was initiated by South Carolina's threat to succeed from the Union President Jackson's strong response which Shiner supported ended the crisis.
43. John Armfield and Isaac Franklin owned were the nation's most notorious slave dealers. The firm's slave pen was located at 1315 Duke Street Alexandria Virginia and managed by John Armfeild, while Isaac Franklin established and ran the firm's markets at Natchez and New Orleans. By the 1830s they were sending more than 1000 slaves annually from Alexandria to their Natchez and New Orleans markets to help meet the demand for slaves in Mississippi and surrounding states. Franklin and Armfield's procedure was to send an annual overland coffle or slave caravan from Virginia to their Forks of the Road market near Natchez Mississippi. If Phillis Shiner and her children had not gained their freedom they would almost certainly have been forced into a slave coffles leaving Alexandria VA in mid to late summer and forcibly taken through to Natchez Mississippi and the Forks of the Road slave market where they would have been sold to the highest bidder. During such overland marches male slaves were usually manacled and chained together in double files and were under the close supervision of mounted drivers. Women such as Phillis Shiner would have walked while their children and injured slaves rode in the wagons that accompanied the coffle. The white males guarding the coffles were normally armed with both guns and whips. In the period between 1825 and 1830 the average price for young adult male slaves in Virginia was $400. In contrast Isaac Franklin sold four slaves (sex unspecified) at the Forks of the Road in 1826-27 for $700 $600 $500 and $450.
44. A writ of detachment is an old English common law term, for a court order that allowed a party to seize to take into custody another person or goods.
45. The following is a transcription of the Shiner family manumission document: Know all me by these presents that I Levi Phumphrey of the city of Washington in the District of Columbia for divers good and sufficient causes me thereun to moving have manumitted emancipated set free and relieved from Slavery a negro women named Phillis and her three children named Ann Harriet and Mary Ann purchased by me at the sale of my fathers property the said Phillis being at the time age about twenty five years and her three children aged as follows Ann about four years - Harriet about three years and Mary Ann about four months the said Negro women Phillis is in good health and entirely competent to obtain livelihood for herself and children by her own labor. And that I do by these presents manumit emancipate set free and discharge form Labor & Slavery the said Phillis and her three children. In witness whereof I have hereto subscribe my name and affix my seal the 11th day of June in the year of our Lord one Thousand - Eight Hundred and thirty-three.
46.Captain John H. Aulick was Commandant WNY from Mar 7 1843 to Feb 21 1846.
47.William Ellis WNY engineer was born in Pennsylvania in 1807 he moved to Washington DC and later ran a successful business with brother Jonas Ellis manufacturing steam engines.
48.Michael Shiner was observing the "Leonid Meteor Shower". Another observed noted "On the night of November 12-13 1833 a tempest of falling stars broke over the Earth... The sky was scored in every direction with shining tracks and illuminated with majestic fireballs. At Boston the frequency of meteors was estimated to be about half that of flakes of snow in an average snowstorm. Their numbers... were quite beyond counting; but as it waned a reckoning was attempted from which it was computed on the basis of that much-diminished rate that 240000 must have been visible during the nine hours they continued to fall." From: Agnes Clerke Victorian Astronomy Writer. This information was supplied by Dr Peter Jenniskens NASA in email to J. Sharp dated 20 June 2007
49.Joseph M. Padgett (1808 - 1865) Master Laborer's survived his fall, to later become overseer of the yard laborers. Joseph Padgett was also one of the founders of WNY Beneficial Society, an organization which helped Yard workers with funeral expenses and provided for their widows and orphans. He is buried at Congressional Cemetery. His son also Joseph M. Padgett worked at WNY for over 50 years retiring in 1920.
50.The orders to which Michael Shiner refers to are as follows: " The Mechanics and laborers employed in the Yard with the exception of the Anchor Smiths & Engineers are prohibited entering the Workshops Ship houses and other places where the public property tools are deposited during the hours allotted for meals. The Mechanics & laborers are forbidden to bring their meals into the Yard either in baskets bags or otherwise and none will be permitted to eat their meals within the Yard unless specifically permitted by the Commandant. The Anchor Smith Foundry men & attendants of the Steam Engines are so permitted wherever their fires are kept during meal hour " General Orders for the Regulation of the Navy Yard Washington DC (circa 1833 - 1850 WNY orders no. 13 & 14]
51. Israel Jones lived in Baltimore Maryland; his residence was on Forest Street, North of Douglass. Jones was a free black and foremen of the Baltimore based caulking crew that Commandant Isaac Hull had brought to WNY.
52. Michael Shiner refers here to the strike for a ten hour workday that took place that year at most federal shipyards. This movement began in the Philadelphia shipyard and rapidly spread down the eastern seaboard. While the WNY strikers failed to win a ten hour day that year, their names were later restored to the yard rolls and in President Martin Van Buren in 1840 issued an executive order placing all federal shipyards on a ten hour workday.
The Yard strikers as Michael Shiner wrote blamed Commodore Isaac Hull for bringing in black caulkers from Baltimore Md. These strikers felt black workers were to be used to break their strike. This and other incidents exacerbated always simmering racial tension in Washington and WNY white mechanics and laborers went on a three day rampage in which they threaten blacks and broke up their businesses and property. Finally after days of disorder and riot, President Andrew Jackson sent in a company of U.S. Marines to restore order.
52a. The "young mulatto" man was Arthur Bowen, 18 years old, and a slave to Mrs. Anna Thorton. Based on Mrs Thortonıs accusation that Bowen tried to murder her, Arthur Bowen was tried and convicted for attempted murder. The prosecutor in the Bowen case for the District of Columbia was Francis Scott Key, the author of the "Star Spangled Banner". Mrs. Thornton eventually had second thoughts regarding her accusations and wrote to President Andrew Jackson a long letter, urging Jackson to pardon Bowen which President Jackson did on July 4 1836. See Jefferson Morley The "Snow Riot".
53. American historians have pointed out that the year 1835 saw more urban riots in (53) then in any year prior to the Civil War. As in Washington DC riot described by Shiner most of these riots were the result of white mobs attacking blacks or as in the Baltimore City riot of that same year mobs attacking "foreigners" i.e. Irish Catholics. See Daniel Howe page 431.
54. James Marshall was a Washington DC ward 6 blacksmith who also acted as a Justice of the Peace.
55. The Judge is here issuing a threat to the attackers. While Shiner had few if any rights in law with an the irony not lost on the Judge or Shiner in the District of Columbia legal system a male slave was property and as such, his owner, Thomas Howard, had the right to bring civil legal action for compensatory damages against his attackers.
56. Captain John Gallagher USN relieved Commodore Isaac Hull as Commandant WNY John Gallagher served as Commandant from October 1 1835 - March 1 1836.
57. Captain Henry E. Ballard USN was Commandant of WNY from October 1 1849 to October 15 1852.
58. Captain Daniel Patterson USN was WNY Commandant from March 1 1836 to August 25 1839.
59. In 1840 President Martin Van Buren by Executive Order changed work hours in federal naval ship yards from 12 to 10 per day. The order as implemented at WNY stated "By Direction of the President of the United States all public establishments will hereafter be regulated as to working hours by the "ten hour System". The hours for labor in this Yard will therefore be as follows viz: From the 1st day of April to the 30th day of September inclusive from 6 o'clock a.m. to 6 o'clock p.m. -- during this period the workmen will breakfast before going to work for which purpose the bell will be rung and the first muster held at 7 o'clock -- at 12 o'clock noon the bell will be rung and then home from 12 to 1 o'clock p.m. allowed for dinner from which to 6 o'clock p.m. will constitute the last half of the day.
From the 1st day of October to the 31st day of March the working hours will be from the rising to the setting of the Sun -- the Bell will then be rung at one hour after Sunrise that hour being allowed for breakfast -- at 12 o'clock noon the bell will again be rung and one hour allowed for dinner from which time say 1 o'clock till sundown will constitute the last half of the day. No quarters of days will be allowed." General Orders for the Regulation of the Navy Yard Washington DC. (Circa 1833 - 1850 order numbers 29).
60. Phillip Inch Master Painter 1794 - 1844 was born in Plymouth England. Inch was Michael Shiner's supervisor for many years. He is buried at Congressional Cemetery
61. Gustavo's Higdon was the owner of a dry goods store on L Street. He did a lot of business with WNY and probably knew Michael Shiner through these transactions.
62. On February 28 1844 the USS Princeton departed Alexandria VA on a pleasure and trial trip down the Potomac River with President John Tyler and his cabinet and approximately two hundred guests on board. After the final firing of Commodore Stockton's Peacemaker cannon the defective gun finally burst which instantly killed Secretary Upshur; Secretary Gilmer; Captain Beverly Kennon Chief of the Bureau of Construction Equipment and Repairs; Vigil Maxcy. of MD Charge d'Affaires to Belgium 1837-42; David Gardiner of New York the father of Julia Gardiner who later married President Tyler; and the President Tyler's valet a black slave named Armistead. The explosion also injured about 20 people including Stockton.
63. Starboard is the right side of a ship or vessel.
64. Commodore Charles S. McCauley was Commandant of WNY from September 1 1846 to October 1 1849.
65. On August 09 1849 Michael Shiner married Jane Jackson in Washington DC. Michael Shiner's diary has no indication of his second marriage or what became of his first wife Phillis nor is there any other record in the diary of Janet Jackson their children or their life together.
66. The July 23 1850 U.S. census for Washington DC 6th Ward reflects that Michel Shiner was born in DC (1860 census states MD as does 1880 census for his daughter Mary where she listed her father's birthplace as Maryland.) and is then 46 yrs of age Jane Jackson Shiner is 19 yrs daughter Sarah E. 12 yrs Son Isaac M. 5 yrs and their infant son Braxton is 6 months. Michael Shiner occupation is listed as Painter. The census enumerator has listed Michael as black and stated that he is unable to read or write. .Phillis Shiner most likely died sometime after 1833 but there is no record reflecting the event. Based on the ages of the children a date circa 1845 seems probable. The 1850 census listed the total population of the District of Columbia as: 51 687 of which the white population is enumerated as: 37 941 Free Negro 10 059 and Slave: 3687 The Sixth Ward where Michael Shiner and his family resided had 46 male and 64 female slaves.
67. Joseph Mundell was born in Antrim County Ireland in 1809. He immigrated to Philadelphia in 1827. He enlisted first in the United States Army serving 8 years he later joined the United States Marine Corp where he served 25 years. He served in the Florida - Seminole War and Mexican War. In all he served for 33 years rising to the rank of Marine Corps Quartermaster Sergeant. After his retirement he lived in Washington DC Ward 6 and went to work at Washington Navy Yard as Watchmen. He and his wife Martha had 11 children. Two of his daughters Ellen and Anna later worked for the U.S. Treasury as currency folders. In 1851 in a notorious case referred to in Michael Shiner's Diary (see page 107 the 14 year old son Samuel Mundell was murdered by a William Wells Marin private in a dispute at hunting excursion. Two of Joseph Mundell other sons Joseph Jr and Jared Mundell both served in the Civil War. After the war Joseph Mundell's son Jared also went to work at WNY where he labored for over half a century before retiring in 1920 as the yard's oldest male employee. Joseph Mundell died of consumption on 9 September 1874 and is buried at Washington DC Congressional Cemetery (R35/ 178).68. Henry E. Ballard Commandant WNY October 1 1849 - October 15 1852.
Lajes Louis Kossuth 1802-1894 was noted Hungarian patriot who had led a failed revolution against Russian rule. After 1848 rebellion he went into exile and visited the United States. Kossuth was immensely popular and given an enthusiastic reception in Washington D.C
69. The Marine Railway was invented by Commodore John Rodgers in 1822 at the Washington Navy Yard. Basically the railway was a rail track used to move a vessel from the water. In Michael Shiner's era, manpower alone was used to move a vessel or ship up the railway like iron rails to a ship house. This procedure was later mechanized with steam winches providing the motive power....
70. Captain Charles W. Morgan was Commandant WNY from October 15 1852 to January 5, 1853.
71. In 1852 then Secretary of the Navy, John P. Kennedy, arbitrarily attempted set aside President Van Buren's 1840 ten hour day order and to increase production at Charlestown and Washington Navy Yard issued his own order to begin the workday at both yards an hour earlier or sunrise to sunset which effectively extended the workday to eleven hours. In Charlestown Mass Secretary Kennedy's order set off a strike of three hundred mechanics and laborers. At WNY employees also began work stoppages. Secretary Kennedy's order was quickly rescinded just forty-eight hours after it was issued and both yards returned to work
72. Charles King was 19 years old his father Martin King was a successful merchant.
73. John Rose was appointed to his position before the war of 1812. He was paid a salary of $ 1500.00 per year.
74. George Edwards a USMC musician, was 41 years of age, and lived in the 6th Ward with his wife Mary and three children. The George Edwards family lived but one house away from Michael Shiner.
75. John H. Peake was Michael Shiner Forman after the death of Phillip Inch. John H. Peake was born 1817 in the District of Columbia. On the 1850 census for the District of Columbia, Peake stated he owned his own residence, which was valued at $ 900.00 in Ward number 6. John H. Peake was married and had one child. He continued to work for WNY for many years. John H. Peake later opened a paint store and by 1870 he owned real estate valued at $6000.00; he died sometime after 1880.
Captain Hiram Paulding Commandant WNY January 21 1853 - June 30 1855.
76. Philip Barton Key was born in 1818. in Georgetown D.C and died 27 February 1859, Washington DC. He was the son of Francis Scott Key the author of the National Anthem. Key was for anumber of year United States Attorney District of Columbia. In 1859 Congressman Daniel Sickles shot and killed Phillip Barton Key for having conducted an affair with his wife Teresa Bagioli Sickles. The murder took place on Lafayette Square. just north of the White House. Sickles was acquitted on the basis of temporary insanity in one of the most controversial trials of the 19th century.
77. On Christmas Day 1853, the San Francisco, was disabled and on January 6th 1854 she foundered with a loss of more than 200 lives. Upwards of 500 passengers were saved principally by the splendid work of the ships: The Three Bells of Glasgow the Antarctic from San Francisco and the Bark Kilby.
78. Many shipyard families maintained a tradition of working at WNY, the McCathran's served at the Yard until the 1940's.
79. Casting was always dangerous at WNY since super heated metals could crack the mold or slop over and burn the workers and destroy the cast.
80. Commodore French Forrest was the Commandant of WNY from June 30 1855 to August 15 1855.
81. The snowfall of January 17 1857 affected many of the cities of the eastern United States Washington D.C. recorded snowfall totals of 24 inches. This storm as Michael Shiner notes was unique for its extreme cold and very high winds.
82. "Plug Uglies" were an urban gang affiliated with the Know-Nothing party. They were based originally in Baltimore but spread rapidly to Washington D.C. and other cities. In 1857 the Plug Uglies were brought to the District where they instigated a bloody riot involving over one thousand people. They were trying to prevent Irish-Americans from voting in Washington D.C. s municipal elections. Ultimately six people were killed and many wounded before the Marines were able to suppress the fighting. According to one historian the Plug Uglies took their name from the large plug hats they wore.
83. Bell Boats were the design of James Buchanan Eads, one of the most outstanding civil engineers of the19th century. Eads is noted for his development of diving bell techniques to salvage sunken steamboats. Eads' attention was attracted by the numerous losses of boats and cargoes. In 1842 he patented an adaptation of the diving bell and engaged in the salvage business. He built the first of a series of "bell boats" bearing the name Submarine and became very successful. Department of Navy used these boats to clear channels of underwater obstructions.
84. William Walker 1824-1860 was a physician, lawyer and soldier of fortune who attempted to create an empire in South America. He over threw the government of Nicaragua 1856 and was briefly president of that country. Walker later attempted a similar venture in Honduras that resulted in his capture and execution by firing squad. William Walker held racist views and advocated setting up an agricultural empire based on slavery. His rash actions in Central America were lauded in the southern states where he was perceived as man of destiny. Michael Shiner's praise for his former WNY Commandant, Commodore Hiram Paulding, stands out in since Shiner seldom discusses his own political views. Commodore Paulding had been the subject of severe criticism by southern senators once word of his arrest of William Walker reached Washington DC.
85. Phillip Otterbach 1796-1858 was a butcher and resident of the 6th Ward. Otterbach was German immigrant who ran a very successful business. He was enumerated in 1850 as having real estate valued at $ 125 000.00. His relationship to Michael Shiner is unclear.
86. Captain Ellie A.F. Lavellette was Commandant of WNY from August 15 1856 to May 14. 1858.
87. The comet Michael Shiner observed was comet C/1858 L 1 (Donati) discovered in June 1858 and widely visible during September 1858 email from Dan Green Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics dated February 21 2007.
88. Captain Franklin Buchanan was Commandant from WNY May 26 1859 to April 22 1861. Shortly after the events Michael Shiner recounts Captain Buchanan resigned his commission and joined the new Confederate Navy where he became a Rear Admiral.
89. Captain Franklin Buchanan Commandant WNY May 26 1859 - April 22 1861. In 1861 Franklin Buchanan resigned his commission and joined the Confederate Navy where he rose to the rank of Admiral.
90. The U.S. Census for Washington DC June 21 1860 lists Michael Shiner as living in the 6th Ward. He is 55 years old is wife Jane Jackson is 29yrs daughter Sarah E. is 21yrs Son Isaac M. 6 yrs. daughter Rose Ann 8 yrs and daughter Jane M is 3 yrs. Michel Shiner is enumerated as a painter with property worth $ 800.00. The enumerator now lists Michael Shiner as born in MD. Per the same census all of Michael Shiner's immediate neighbors are white.
91. Rear Admiral John A. Dahlgren was WNY Commandant from April 22 1861 to July 22 1863.
92. The 1861 oath "I do solemnly swear that I will bear true allegiance to the United States of America and that I will serve them honestly and faithfully without any mental reservations against all enemies or opposes whatsoever that I will observe and obey orders of the President of the United States and the officer appointed over me; according to the rules and articles for government of the United States". In all over 400 Yard workers swore allegiance while 37 chose not to take the oath and were dismissed.
93. The 1860 U.S. Census for the District of Columbia listed a total population of 75,080 inhabitants, of this total, the inhabitants were enumerated as follows: 60 764 White 11131 Free Negro and 3185 Slave. In Michael Shiner immediate neighborhood Ward 6 where his family resided the 1860 Slave Census enumerated 32 male and 48 female enslaved African Americans living in the sixth Ward
94. Commodore John B. Montgomery, was Commandant WNY, from December 31 1863 to October 13 1865 Rear Admiral L.M. Goldsborough was Commandant of WNY from October 14 1870 to October 1 1873.
95. The day of the second inaugural Noah Adams another observer noticed the same phenomena as Michael Shiner, as President Lincoln rose to speak and Adams recounted: "Just at that moment the sun which had been obscured all day burst forth in its unclouded meridian of splendor and flooded the spectacle with glory and light" quoted in Ronald C. White's Lincoln's Greatest Speech The Second Inaugural Simon & Schuster New York 2005. p. 42.
96. On Good Friday in late afternoon President and Mrs. Lincoln went for drive. They stopped in WNY to view three monitors recently damaged in Fort Fisher N.C. engagement. The President talked of the time when could return to Illinois and live quietly. Pratt, Personal Finances 124; Rufus R. Wilson ed. Intimate Memories of Lincoln. (Elmira NY: Primavera Press 1942) 430. See Lincoln Day by Day.
Note: The Navy Department Library gratefully acknowledges John G. Sharp, former Assistant to the Director, Human Resources Office Washington, Washington Navy Yard (retired), for providing the above transcription, introduction and notes to the diary of Michael Shiner.
Source: Library of Congress MSS 20.957 microfilm
2007