The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1866-10-20
New Hanover County, N. C.-No. 10

Martin says New hanover was Iormeu IN
1923. and named after the House of Hanover,
at that time on the throne of England. Its
coast is from Federal Point to the South to
stump inlet, which two extremities include
New Topsail Inlet, Sandy Inlet and Deep
Its eastern, northern and western borders are
surrounded by Onslow, Duplin, Sampson,
BIaden and brunswick counties. Its capital
is Wilmington, so-called in compliment to
the Earl OF that name, to whose patronage,
as we are informed, Governor Johnston was
indebted for his position. Williamson says it
was originally called Newton: it is on the
east side of Cape Fear river, about thirty-fve
miles from the sea, and well located for trade
and is perhaps the most commercial town
in the State In 1860 its population was
1852 being an increase during the last de-
cade up to that year, Of 1928, or per cent
of 81 so increase. We have no data of the
amount of tonnage at present, but formerly
it was 10000, and the exports amounted to
million dollars annually. In its vicinity there
were formerly extensive rice fields. The
town does not present an attractive appear
ance The streets are generally sandy and
need paving and side walks, many of them.
1t has JllstoaI House, which fronts the
river. and several churches whose archictec-
ture adorns the town. The new Baptist
Church will be an ornament when completed.
The work was stopped just before the war.
st. James's also is a commodious structure
And the church, of which the Rev. Mr.. Ter
~ is pastor, though somewhat out of the way
vi observation by strangers passing through,
is very creditable gothic building, and per-
haps at present the chief ecclesiastical orna-
ment of the town, In 1874 large portion
Of Wilmington was destroyed by fire. Gen
eral Whiting had his headquarters here du-
ring the war, aud it was the prominent port
of shipment of Confederate cotton to Nassau
and Bermuda and thence to Liverpool. 1t
was the main rendezvous of the blockaders-
and was protected by Fort Fisher, tcom-
manded by our gallant Colonel hamb>) and
one or more Notifications along the river.
The chief expectations from Wilmington are
Cotton and Naval Stores. The population of
New Hanover in 1860 was Is, 429, composed
of 7,103 slaves, and 1926 free, of which 642
were free negroes. In 1850 there were $50
farms 1914 acres improved, and 3o5, PA
acres unimproved-value with Improvements
and implements $1035, 874-horses 1896
meat cattle 12,969-sh, ep 8,777-swlne
23,026 1t raised among other products
els Irish and Sweet Potatoes--54 ,l4O bushels
Peas and Beans 730 lbs. Butter and Cheese
and 5000 lbs. Hops. In July 1774 the citi-
gems of Wilmington held a town meeting and
declared the cause of Boston the common
cause Of America; and in August sent a ship
load OF provisions to their suffering brethren
in Boston. In 1775 New Hanover united
with Brunswick, Bladen, Dnplin and Ons-
low in defence of their liberties 1t is related
that when Governor Martin sursmoned His
Majestys Council to attend him on board the
vessel in Cape Fear river, in January l776,
the committee of safety informed them that
they could not consistently with the safety of
the country, permit them to attend the Gov
ernor, John Baptist Ashe was the head of
the family Of that name once prominent in
New Hanover. He emigrated from England
in t727-and was the friepd of Lord Craven