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Washington District of Columbia
The Diary of Michael Shiner
Slave and Freeman at the Washington Navy Yard
1813-1869
Transcribed and edited by : John Sharp ©
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| 1813 Ther was a Horse Company organized in this City of Washington by Captain Lower Caulwell. Docter Edward Clark Belong to it and James Freind formally; a Baker on the Hill, Thomas Renols [ Reynolds ] formally, a tavern keper, at the Eastern Branch Bridge on Pennsylvania avenue and James Keley formerly kept a reserve on the Navy Yard hill. A Baker use to belonge to this company by the name of Burns formerly used to have a Bake house south of the long row and a brother in law of Lawer [lawyer] George Waterstone all those above named gentleman used to belong to the organized in 1809 by Captain Thomas Carley a young man by the name of Spanagle his father was John Canon was a Blacksmith formerly kept a Black Smith shop south of the Congress Burial ground [ Congressional Cemetery established 1802] . Rigments of inferty [Regiments of Infantry] by Captain Thomas Carbrly There was a company of field artillery organized at the same time by Captin Samuel Burch and Thomas Howard and Thomas Warfield and Lloyd Pumphrey and Joseph Ross formerly a police of the 5 Ward. Isaac Pumphrey use to belong to it, his mother, formerly kept a little shop below the Capitol. All these named gentleman use to belong to it. A melitia Company organnised by Captin Thomas Huse, formerly kept a store on Pennsylvania Avenue, ner the centrale market, Elisha Phumphrey use to belong to it John Moody belonged to it. A company was organized at the same time by Captin Joseph Lassen on the navy yard hill. William Lasky belongs to it and Henry Adams belongs to it [Note: Navy Yard Hill was for most of the 19th century the residential area immediately around WNY. Capitol Hill was the name as far east as 6th St. SE, after which it was Navy Yard Hill] A company wher organised at the same time by Captin Joseph Lassen on the Navy Yard hill. Wm. Lasky belong to it. A Rifle company wher organized the same time by Captin Wiliam Doughty. Henry Aukward belonged to it. James Roads belong to it. The dress of this Rifle company was green nankeen yelin fringin and the caps were made of Wild bear skin. When i was a boy those captains use to attend to their drill all day and drill the men the rest of the night as for Colonel Draughty he was like a bildear. Captin Stalls company of George town was organized in 1813 [they wore] blue nankeen and red fringe and was a splendid and well organized company and well drilled in them days they were active as cats. A nother company wher orgernised at that time by Captin William Moore a son in law of Captin William Nailer the father of Lieutenant Colonel Henry Nailer. Lieutenant Alexander McCormack belonged to Rushes Artillery Company and Mr. James Young brother in law of Mr. Alexander McCormack Lieutenant Shadrick Davis (also) belonged Rushes Artillery Company in 1813 and 1814. (Note: Lloyd Pumphrey a District of Columbia building contractor may have owned Michael Shiner prior to January 1828 when he was sold to Thomas Howard. the Chief Clerk WNY. Pumphrey family owned Michel Shiners first wife Phillis and the couples three children. See June 5, 1833.) ;
1814
On the 23 day of August on Tuesday night the American Armmy laid on ther arms and bivouacked for that night. Then next morning on
the 24 day of August 1814 on Wednesday's day between 3 and 4 o'clock in the morning they (the Americans) burnt the Eastern Branch
Bridge. That were done to prevent the British from crossing for fear they should reverse their march and then they went forth and burnt
the sloop of war on the stocks and one or two other vessels and all the orders that that were carried out were given by the president
of the United States the honorable James Madison and the honorable Secretary of the Navy, M. Jones. At sun rise the same morning
two men came on horse from the direction of Blades Barge bringing news the British Armmy were advancing over the Baldes Barge
Bridge and this news reaching the American camp aroused the spirit of the Americans to force their march in double quick time to
assail the British at Blades Barge Bridge. Just as the American Armmy got to Blades Barge the British Armmy were just advancing
down the hill and about two hours after the American Armmy left the city of Washington under the Command of General Winder.
Commander Barney through his skill forced his march all night on the 27 of August 1814 on Tuesday through Maryland and arrived at
Washington and landed his men between North East and South East of Washington Navy Yard. Which at that day were called the
Ferry Wharf and today goes by the name of the Old Ferry Wharf. After he [Commander Joshua Barney] landed his men he taking up the line of march for Blades Barge in marching across those men to the last ward of the capital and they were two blood red flags were discovered by the people in the 5 ward i shall never forget the remarks that were made that day Lord have mercy on us then the British comes now and it were hard to convince some of them but what they were the British Armmy. My but olde Mr. William Phumphry told them that it were Commander Barney still. (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.) Still Mrs Betsy Brown, the wife of Mr Joseph Brown, Miss Keithy Brown, a sister of Mr Joseph Brown, wher ringing and twisting and screaming holing the lord What is to become of us all. At that time Commander Barney had cross East Capital Street he hoisted the American Flag then some of them didn't believe but some of them wher the British Armmy and about an hour and half after Commander Barney left the city of Washington for Blades Barge We heard a roar cannonading and Mr. Keithly and at time Commander Barney had placed himself in a position which wher at spring, which to this day, is called Commander Barney's spring. Then the orders wher given for the American Armmy to retreat and at that this time they were in confusion and fled in every direction still Commander Barney held his position. When the British columns were ordered to advance across Blades Barge Bridge where they met with gape and canister Commander Barney ordered a shower of bullets from the Marines as fast as the columns would advance the bridge drove back in disorder then at last the columns were ordered to advance across the water and in that time it were understood that General Ross said Lord what that man brought us to. At that time Commander Barney's horse was shot from under him and he were wounded and also Colonel Samuel Miller wounded. At this time, a British officer, stepped up with a roar and said: Commander Barney we have caught you. At Last drawing his sword across the back of his neck, but you [are] to good a man to kill. At that time the Americans had fled in confusion and they had heard firing at Blades Barge and at that time the Americans were flying through the city were taken prisoner and Colonel Samuel Miller. The British Armmy had taken up their line of march for Washington when a number of the British soldiers felled in their ranks on the way to Washington from Blades Barge from loss of blood. Between the eastern toll gate and Blades Barge the British soldiers fell in holes to the right and left and still the British Armmy continued the march on Washington. Jest as we saw the armmy coming above the toll gate in Washington we heard the tread of British army feet. Master left a Colard Man and myself, with a old lady, by the name of Mrs. Reid, on Capitol Hill then as soon as we got a sight of British Armmy raising that hill they looked like flames of fire all red coats and the stocks of their guns painted with red vermillion and the iron work shined like a Spanish dollar. [Note: Battle of Bladensburg MD August 24, 1814 American militia and regular army units were defeated by British troops. The battle was derisively referred to as the Bladensburg Races due to the overwhelming British victory and hasty American retreat. Commander Barney was seriously wounded and captured] The Colard man near Mrs. Reid saw this and myself and the Colard man started and ran and i started to run too, and olde Mrs. Reid caught hold of me Where are you running to you N**** you. What do you recon the British wants with such a N**** as you? At this time John had run and hid self in bake oven that were owned by a man named Burns. The British Armmy still continued their march on towards the Capitol Hill until they got against a large brick house on Capitol Hill fronting Maryland Ave and were owned by Judge Saul of Maryland and formerly occupied Judge and his family every session of Congress. This house now sets to the northeast of the United States Senate and as the British armmy approached the house under the command of General Ross and his aids his horse was shot from under him. In a twinkle of an eye (the) house was surrounded by British armmy and searched all through up stairs and down stairs in search of the man that shot the horse from under general. No man was found, after they found that they couldn't find the man, they put a slow match to the house and then stood off a certain distance and before long those Congreve Rockets burnt until they came to the explosion part. They made the rafters fly east and west and then they marched on farther to a hotel. Below this house to the eastward of the United States Senate there they found ammunition and guns and this house was were formerly occupied by a gentleman by the name of Tumbelson he kept a large boarding house for members of Congress and for other gentleman and (so) forth and (they) burnt that down. There was a Scotchman kept a store on the East Capital Alexander McCormack Sr. kept a store in the same square. He was at that time a Lieutenant in Captin Ruches Artillery Company. The goods were taken out by the British and distributed among anyone that needed to receive them. (Note: The Congreve rocket named for inventor William Congreve 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 ) Mr. McCormack had a very large store of groceries of all kinds of dry goods and lickers of all kinds. A great many of his goods of all kinds had disappeared i don't believe many of them but this Scotchman's store wasn't interfered with it was supposed that he escorted General Ross and his officers into the United States Senate and House of Representatives this was done before it was set on fire then after they had been in the Senate and the House of Representatives they went forth into the night and burnt the Capital and the Presidents House and all the other public buildings and perused all the city of Washington over the 25 of August 1814. On Thursday who can forget that day of the awful storm which raged for a long time without interruption it thundered, lightened, hailed and rained it taking some old houses up from there foundations and brining them down. The British Armmy stood as if they were unmovable never went in shelter whatever, no ready shelter for themselves. On the 20 day August 1814 on Friday, the British Armmy were taking their last round in the City of Washington and putting on a great many airs as they formally do in any other country when they get a foothold of others segars and throwing them about, then throw them down a well where there were some powder thrown down by the American people and there were many of them in Turkey Bay Creek, some in front of the arsenal and general Ross came to the conclusion that it was time to vacate the city. What they didn't lose by explosion a great many of them ran away. The British Armmy left the city under the Command of General Ross the 26 day of August 1814 on Friday night. That night I believe the wheels were muffled and the horses feet for they went a way so easy that you could scarcely could hear. The American Armmy that were commanded by General Winder who had taking up there quarters after the siege at Blades Barge the 24 day at Montgomery Court House in the State of Maryland they came to the City of Washington the 27 on Saturday night laid on their arms all that night and on a Sunday morning on the 28 day of August 1814 the armmy operation as soon as practical and was sent down to Indin Head. Commander Rodgers and Commander Porter filled a chapel up with old logs and stretched a chain a cross the river. The American Armmy had formed a line on the Maryland shore and Virginia shore and as the British ships of war drifted down the American pored into them on both sides the British through their shot starboard and larboard the siege for a while raged with great fury. On the 29 day of August 1814, Monday, the siege ended and the flagship called the Seahorse, which was Admiral Cogburn's (Admiral George Cockburn) flagship, with her guns starboard and larboard, when the smoke cleared away every vessel was gone but they were built like a sieve. Before they did leave the Commander of the British Squadron in 1814 came up to the Potomac River. [He]) didnt act no way like a Gentleman where ever he landed the worst of veterans would not have acted anymore heathenly then he did. He behaved very villainously treacherously at Hampton Virginia by letting his sailors and marines at Hampton to do as they please. Then on the same day the 29 of August 1814 after the siege at Indian Head, the British forces, sailed for Baltimore with the intension of an invasion but got sorely disappointed thank God. Then on 30 August 1814, on Tuesday, the United States Armmy that was reinforced by the troops from Virginia had taken up their line of march from Washington in double quick time under the Command of Major General Winder. The were forced speedily without delay until they arrived in Baltimore and the hearts of the Baltimoreans were filled with joy at the arrival of troops from their sister states and they jest arrive in time to anticipate the arrival of the British for the British commenced throwing their rumes and rockets and all other combustible stuff. Thank God this were all in vain for Major General Smith of Maryland and Major General Winder and the Commander of Fort McHenry were determined not to be raddled by the British Commanders so they were not at Washington and the siege continued with vigor. This siege at Baltimore between the American forces and the British forces it were drizzling and raining on the 29 day of August 1814 on Monday and were drizzling and raining all day the 31 day of August 1814 and the wind continued to the eastward and drizzling and raining on the 1 day of September 1814 so it continued to rain the whole week. And for several days and nights you could hear the guns distantly from Fort Mc Henry and the British ships of war. We heard them from Baltimore to Washington so the siege continued until the 10 of September 1814 and the siege ended and the British ships of war and the armmy were drove back in disorder and they were glad to get away and we never heard from the British no more until General Jackson at the Battle of New Orleans in the State of Louisiana. The British commenced with their daring movements in attacking various things and very near doing as they pleased which surprised a great many of our people. It was distantly understood that the Honorable Major General Andrew Jackson was not there when this proceeding was going on and all this were done about the last part of December 1814. When the honorable Major General Andrew Jackson arrived at the city of New Orleans in the last part of December 1814, he found the city in an awful condition. The People were moving out and makin no effort whatever to defend the city. The General found that such effort was exhaustin he immediately made requisition on the governor of the state of Louisiana and he immediately made effort to prevent the invasion of the British Armmy into the city. As the generals request to the governor were not speedily gratified, he taking the responsibility of the legislative power in his hands and commence heaving up entrenchments and directing batteries in position that would flank the enemy right or left or in the front and so place the city under marshal law for none to go out and for every man to a man to work to carry a musket, sword or pistol or that could help drag a cannon or shove the wheel or use a pick axe or shovel. He was no respecter of person for he made every man come that could at that time. It was a trying time for the general and he was very lucky and successful in all particulars the short time that he had been ther. And in the Mean time he wher fortifying the city the ladys of all classes came to him in great distress ringing and twisting ther hands. What should they do for protection the general reply was to them go to your home my pretty fair Maids for if they get to you (they) will have to walk over my dead body. ;
1815 The cold commence early in November 1814 and continued freezing until the middle of March 1815. January 1815 they haul Wood across the Eastern Branch by wagon loads with six horses. They wher a deseas went through County could the swell the toung that kill the horse it appeared that they no cure for it they couldent get anything down the throat they dropt down dead most every wher. At last the people caught this disease and they wher very few of them the cought it got over it. But they wher a old Docter lady that lived in prince georges county the state of Mary land by the name of Mrs. Darry and all she attended to see wher successful in curing for she wher highly recommended by the .... ...of prince georges county the state of Maryland and particularly of olde Doctor Hodges of prince georges county the state of Mary land and all Mrs Darrys medicines and drinks wher made principally out of ... (Descriptions and records of weather for Michael Shiner occupy a large portion of his manuscript and was a major interest and an important factor in his work life. 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 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).”) ;
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1818 ;
1819 (Note: 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 $ 35,000.00) ;
1820 ;
1821 ;
1822 For no follower of the lord and saver Jesus Christ ought not to be ingage in annything that are sinful or dangerous in the sight of god. For god is Jest god for he knows the secrets of all mens hearts and he is the searcher and regulator of all men. For the sermon i heard Mr. Peyton preach was in the Ebenezer Church at a Watch Meetin in 1821 for i came nine or ten miles to hear him preach for I never forget it for that very Night it snowed and ice goin Back Home. Next morning the snow had fell to the depth of six inches and better. The Bottoms of my shoes came off nearly and Was the 1 day of January 1822. (Note: Yelverton T. Peyton 1797- 1831, the Reverend Payton was the pastor of Ebenezer Methodist Church in 1822 and 1823, Ferguson, W. M. (Rev.). Methodism in Washington. information Gale Munro Lloyd Pumphrey and various members of his family were members of Ebenezer Mehtodist 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 churches congregations met to pray in the New Year) ;
1823 ;
1824
1825
1826 (Note: Benjamin King (1779-1837) WNY Master Blacksmith salary was first appointed by the Board of Naval Commissioners on 15 August 1817 at a salary of $ 1500.00 per year 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 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. )
1827 The officers carried us in a half canter and a dog trot. Commander Thomas Tingey Commander Washington Navy Yard went down to Alexandria Walter Booth stationed in command went down to Alexandria that day. Archabald Henderson Went down that day which wher a commander of the United States Marine Core. Lieutenant Henry R. Tyler carried down that day a Detachment of t he United States Marines down to Alexandria. (He) carried them down in double quick time. Purser Mr. Timothy Wind went down to Alexandria that day. Colonel William Doughty Naval Constructor went Down that day and sailing master Edward Barry went down that day. Boatswain 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 Barrt and a colled man by the name Thomas Kenton didn't conduct himself so well and Mr. Barry gave him a reprimand and it appears that then gave him some insolents and Mr. Barry when got home he reported him to Captin Booth Friday the 19 day of January 1827. (Note: The WNY Daily Log provides an official 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.)We all hands of the order [the ordinary] navy men Wher cauled up in the rigging loft to giv and account of our selves. Captin Booth Wher present in the loft, first Lieutenant Thomas Crab and Sailing master Edward Barry who had preferred the charges against Thomas. Then Captin Booth sais you are brought before me for using abusive and insultin language to an officer of this yard what have you to say for yourself? Captin [they] had been a drinkin and if the said anything to Mr. Barry out of the Way they are sorry for it and if thou pleases and if Mr. Barry pleases to excuse [they] will never do so no more. [Captain Booth] sire don't you no the dangers of givin insolence to an officer. Well [he] tell the Captin if thou please excuse me this time never do so no more sire. Mr. Barry reply i will excuse him this time Captin. Now Thomas well let you oft as Mr. Barry has excuse you. Now Captin and Mr. Barry he is ten thousand times oblige to thou for letin [him] off. Captin Booth and first lieutenant Crab sailin master Edward Barry Boatswain David Eaton turned their backs and laught and told Tom to go now and Behave your selves and never struck him a crack. When ken[ton] got up to the ordinary house among the men sais Tom Kenton By the powers of [the] Old lady didn't they tell thou get into Quaker sistom that thou would never wip Tom Kenton got clear of the Cat that day by talkin Quaker to captin Booth and the rest of the officers. While Captin Booth was [with] us [he] was a fine officer as ever steps his foot on a ship deck for i never heard Captin Booth use profane word the most word he ever use to use was by George. For Captin Booth was a perfect gentleman for he wher the one that adopted those rigin 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 heave righ ther up and get the rigin on the other side and them days the shoe wer turned into dead eye then lanyards were received through each eye shard had a louft block with tails imitatin a stopper and those tails wer made fast a round a shard around then lowered that were raised into the dead eye then connected in the chains the hook of the double block tha way the rigin in them days wer set up. Captin Booth said at that time they could be a Quaker way to adopt 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 .shrouds or stays. The United States Sloop of war St. Louis was the first to carry those rigin screws and she carried them on her mizzen shrouds both starboard and larboard that was in place of the dead eye. Which to this day goes by the name of Booth rigging which i believe is entirely satisfactory to the Navy Department. The United States Ship sloop of war St. Lois her keel wher laid in the Upper Ship House the 12 day of February 1827 on Monday. One apple tree planted by Michael Shiner in front of the Boatswain house the 17 day of March 1827. The Boatswain said to me those trees will not live and my reply was to the Boatswain those trees will be here when you and me is dead and gone.
1828 There wher a dog that use to follow the sentry about he come from the country and the Marines use to feed him and every time the sentry would relieve he would relieve too. sentry was down wher we were gettin ready and the dog wher there two and interfering the salute the first gun that wher fire way went the dog and for every leap he made he hollerd and he never stop till got out side the yard. We never seen the first lieutenant Kelly and sailing master Edward Barry they asked Mr. Green what was the matter with the dog? Mr. Green answered and said the dog was frighting at the salute that wher fired at that time the 2 boats already to go up above Georgetown and at that time down came captin Thomas Holdup Stevens in company with lieutenant colonel Charles Broom of the united States Marine Corps first lieutenant Kelly said the gig was all ready sire. Captin Stevens said Broom come get in with me. Colonel Broom answered and said i beg to be excuse i want to exercise my Boys this morning. Colonel 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 Captain Stephens to Colonel Broom i will be long side of you to sectly that right sais Colonel Broom i want to give your colard Boys a sweat this morning. Colonel Broom started about fifteen minutes Before Captain Stephens started. The reason that Colonel Broom started before Captain Stephens was the Captain 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 Stephens sais give give the arsenal and we wher about to pass him along the Captain sais fair you well Brrom and Colonel Broom sais hold on Stephens and runs along side and take in passenger. Captain Stephens sais put your larboard oars pull your Starboard oars until the gig got along side of the Colonels barge. Then we taking the Colonel on the board of the gig after then Colonel got on board Captin Stephens sais give way my lads mind you my brave fellows they are a parcel of boats in the Potomac today 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 where no boat in the river that day that day out the five hundred that could beat the Commodores gig. When we got up to george town Jest as we got ther the president came down in his carriage in company with the Honorable Secretary of War Major General Miller and the Honorable Secretary of the Navy Samuel L. Southard (Samuel Southard. Secretary of the Navy 16 Sep 1823 - 3 Mar 1829) and the rest of his cabinet and a great many other distinguished gentleman. Then they went on board of the Surprise Steam Boat and at last we had the pleasure of taken the president ashore in the gig. The Steam Boat started in full pulled up the river. Mr. Green his orders to follow the steam boat and kept along side of her until we got to the very landing place and the steam boat run in sp close to the shore that they shoved the gang way out and the president walk ashore and all cabinet all the other distinguished gentleman and ladies and went up to the very 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 Honorable Mr. John Qunicy Adams president of the United States pulled off his coat and takein hold of the spade as if he was going to set in for a day work and went right to it and that the beginning of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal and then the hole of the possession retired and after the possession retired then we then we had the pleasure of trying the strength of Surprise Steam Boat the steam boat that went up with us and we run pass all the baots we got down to george town ten minutes before the steam boat then we had wait unitl that steam boat with Captin Thomas hold up Stephens then when that steam boat arrived then we takin the Captin in the gig and the lieutenant Colonel 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 Kelly which at that time where first lieutenant of Washington Navy Yard to give all those boys liberty that wher in the gig to day for they have conducted themselves very well to day when we embarked from the stone house to the yard and after we got to the yard and put the gig away then Mr. Kelly pass us all out and then we went to on Capital Hill and had a good frolic to our selves and ther we remained until run down at the same time we wer at a restaurant on Capital Hill kept by a colored man by the name of George formed by a slave to old Mr. Waterstone and set free by Mr. Waterstone, the father of lawyer George Waterstone. The colored man that i have referred to kept all kinds of liquors. He had one kind of liquer wer called spark fier one called the rear and tear and Tom Cat and one called the panther. One of the drinks called the run from the gun then ther wher one kind called warmherin liqure and he had one called Didn't know wher you wer so we drank of liquer until we got squrananerd [separated] from each other. As for my part When i found myself on the next moring on the 5 day July 1828 on Saturday near the Congress Burin ground [Congressional Cemetery]. i wher layin by the yoke of oxen and well guarded by kills and whip poor wills and wer some fifteen minutes befor i knowed wher and when i came to my sleve i found my slef without any hat and wandered away to the navy yard then and got very near the navy ayrd came a cross a collard man young man and he said are you a drunkin soiler and i kept a sidelin up to the fellow until I got hold of him and they wher mud hole close by i sized hold of the felal and we had small tussel for a while and i got throd the fellow into the mud hole then i staggered off about my business and went into the yard then as i got under the arcade i met Commander Tingey's coachman a collorman by the name of Sam Reid he sias are you got sober yet and i sais to him you Black villain and i hauld off and knock him down and the sentry run in between 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 Commodore Tingey footman had been cutting some of his shines at the house on 4 and they taking him down to the riggin loft that it give him a starting and they were going to give me starting two but Captin Stephens excused me and first lieutenant Kelly sailing master Edward Barry so that ended the fourth of July 1828. (Note: At sea the boatswain would use a starter , the end of thickly mounted rope to galvanize sailors in this instances it appears to have been used to discipline slaves.)Launching of the United States Sloop of War St. Louis at Washington Navy Yard built and constructed by Colonel William Doughty on the 16 day of August 1828 on Saturday. i shall never forget that day the Honorable John Quincy Adams came down that day and his cabinet and the naval commissioner and Commodore John Rogers at that time wher president of the naval board of commissioners they had got all ready for the launching and Colonel Doughty inform Commodore Tingey and Captin Stephens and first Lieutenant Kelly that they were all ready now sire for setting up Colonel Doughty gave orders to Mr. Owner to set up the and at that time they all classes of people ther to witness the launching of the Sloop of War and the thrird time they set up shores wher all turn a drift sawed away in two then takein the batter rams and gave her one or two raps with that and it didn't mover her and they batter ram her a dozen times and still it couldn't move her. Commodore Rodgers ask Mr. Owner what was the matter with her? Mr. Owner said i don't know what the matter with her sire but we will try and find out. At that time the Commodore had got aboard the ship himself by two man ropes on the larboard gangway. He looked all up and down the ship he put on one of the old time man of war looks and vinegar countenance and then went to the waist of the vessel on the larboard side and look over the gunnels and requested of the first lieutenant Kelly who wher first lieutenant of the Washington Navy Yard to send all the men a board that can be speared and they came aboard and as they Wher coming a board the Commodore sais Come abord my brave fellow and after all the men go aboard the Commodore sias take your selves aft on the quarter deck and lat aft my brave fellows . Lay aft Colonel Doughty is the way clear ther. Colonel Doughty to Commodore Rodger all clear sire. Commodore Rodgers sais to the men stand by my brave fellows to shake yourselves shake your selves my brave fellows and dance her down for she must go down. After one or two shouts off went the vessel. As she wher going off Commodore Rodgers looked over the side and told the Secretary of the navy and some more gentleman that wher standing there i believe she wher hung sire. There was a rail pin nail some how or other accidentally where drove through the launch pin ways and got in the slip that wher because of retaining the vessel on the stocks. She would have been launched sooner if it hadm't been for that Dinner wher guest on board the United States Sloop of War St. Louis by Captin John D. Sloat and his officers at Washington Navy Yard the 18 day of December 1828 on Thursday. At that time the St. Louis wher hauld around by the north gable end of the Lower Ship House her stern wher hauld right a though of the United States frigate Congress a thirty six gun ship. Then the Congress laid down stern of the Lower Ship House her stern between south and south east and she wher made a receiving ship while they wher fitting out the St. Louis crew. The United States Sloop of War St. Louis embarked from the Washington Navy Yard in command of Captin John D. Sloat and his officers on the 20 day of December 1828. On Saturday steamboat towed her out by the name of Longbranch and she dropped down below Alexandria. [There] she lay on and off from the bluff from the 20th December 1828 until the 22 day of December 1828. On Sunday, we had taken Mr. David Eaton the Boatswain of the Washington Navy Yard and Sergeant Andrew Marks and Mrs. Jones the sister of Mrs. Marks on board the United States sloop of War St. Louis to eat a fine dinner on board the ship. The United States Sloop of War, St. Louis, embarked from the bluff Alexandria on the 22 day of December 1828 on a Monday. Her destination was for the Pacific Ocean and i have never seen her finer. On the 21st of December Mr. Eaton taking the launch from the Washington Navy Yard and taking the light sails of the St. Louis up in the launch to the long bridge and put them on the steam boat Potomac to send them to Norfolk for the United States sloop of War St. Louis. After we came back from the long bridge we got us a pass from the 24th day of December 1828 until the 31 day of December 1828. On the 24 day of December 1828, after getting this pass from Captin Stephen, i came out of the Yard with the intention of going over to my master which was Thomas Howard, which at that time was Chief Clerk of the Navy Yard. As i was going over home i came across a parcel of boys and i had a couple pounds of powder in my pocket and i was going to carry it down the country to have some sport among the youngsters. The boys surrounded me with fire crackers and i had Christmas in me too they made a great noise for a while and i went right in front of them and you may depend upon it torch light fashion for a while with the fire crackers They wasn't a fighting but there were nineteen or twenty boys around me and in the mean time while we were having our sport there came along a peace officer by the name of Mr. Clemmon, then he said you scamp what are you doing here to me. He hauled off and struck me and i hauled off and struck him a hard blow, but if i had of know, at that time, he was of the Justice of the Peace, i never would have offered to raise my hand to him. i have often regretted it although there weren't nothing turned out serious remiss for us. Mr. Hewitt's duty as an officer to stop all quarrels and all gatherings in the street and at that time they run me up in an alley smack all on N**** Hill and i kept them all out of the alley until my Master came. When Master Tom came up he said Mike you scamp what is the matter with you? Do you know who i am? Yes sire Master Tom i said. He said come along and go with me. Yes sais i Master Tom my i will with you any where. He took hold of me and took me to the Navy Yard Gate. At this time they were about two hundred men and boys together and after they got me down to the gate, it were some time before they could get inside. i was cutting up my monkey shines and at that time, Adjutant Henry R. Tyler, that is now where first Lieutenant at the gate, at that time of the Marines. After they got into the guard house they put me into the cells and put me in double irons hand and foot and then they kept me until the 25th day of December 1828 on Thursday between 4 and 5 o'clock in the morning when Master Tom came and take me out and carried me down home. As we were going along Master Tom asked if i know i had done. i answered him, and told him, i didn't know exactly what i had done. Well sir said he you have struck Mr. Hewitt the Justice of the Peace. Well sir if i did i am very sorry for it After he takein me home he gave me my breakfast and gave me some money, and told me for the Lords sake to go down in the country and see your friends and behave yourself and don't drink any more whiskey. i started from home on Christmas Day on the 25 of December 1828 on Thursday and i never stopped until i arrived in Piscataway and i got in company with a colard man by the name of Patrick Butler. Both of us happen at a tavern in Piscataway which at that time was kept by a colard man name George Butler We go to drinking freely of egg nog and we got pretty high. Then we retired from there to Mr Louis Rowman's farm and there we had great pleasure seeing that farm on Christmas Day at night. As of December 1828, i never enjoyed myself better in all my life. We danced all night then on the 26 on Friday between 12 and 1 o'clock. Mr Rowman acted very kind with me and he let his men put me across the Piscataway Creek 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 sooner then i landed on the wharf they were a passel of soldiers on the wharf and i dressed sailor fashion blue frock shirt and blue trousers and blue round about and red vest tarpaulin hat. Hello Jack where did you come from? i told them i came from Washington Navy Yard. Some of them (said) I don't believe that that, I believe this fellow is a run away from the St Louis. i had terrible time affray with them on the wharf; anyhow i got them off me some how or another. In the meantime in the affray i heard a corporal say step up and tell the major that there are a Black fellow down here cutting up, i believe he is 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 that was set a little northwest from the fort. [She] was a very fine white old lady by the name of Mrs Norfolk. The house that Mrs Norfolk lived in were built by a man named of ........brother-in-law to the one that built Fort Washington and Fort Monroe. i were in Mrs. Norfolk's house and then came soldiers at the door and ask Mrs. Norfolk didn't a colard man call ther. Mrs Norfolk said no, and i had been a telling Mrs Norfolk about the affray and it appeared that these men was to kick up a row with me anyhow after that i didn't stay but a very little after that and i bid Mrs Norfolk farewell. Sais she Mike there is a wild set of men here now Mike for the Major haves a heap of trouble with them at that time Fort Williams was Commanded by Major Mason, United States Armmy and his company were ordered to the eastern part 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 along 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. i didn't go in the yard that night i stop at man's house by the name of Mr Jesse Morrison near the navy yard and ship carpenter by trade and a finer family of White people that ever lived on the hill and on the 27 of December 1828 on Saturday and i reported my self in the yard to the officer. The 31 day of December 1828 on Wednesday we bring the lighter from the Washington Navy Yard and landed at General Vernes wharf on 18 street to move First Lieutenant William Ramsey to Washington Navy Yard which at that time was where the first Lieutenant lived. He lived on Pennsylvania Avenue a little above the War Department house sitting back some distance from the avenue and this ended the proceeding of 1828. (Note: From the WNY surviving Daily Station Logs for the year 1828 there are two entries recording Michael Shiner. 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.”)1829 a Hard Winter ;
1830 ;
1831 ;
1832 ;
1833 ;
1834 ;
1835 ;
1836 ;
1837 ;
1838 ;
1839 ;
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| Preface ; ; ; ; ; Contents | ||
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Photogaph of Page 119 |
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© 2007 Genealogy Trails by Wayne Hinton |
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