The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1877-03-03
yIRGENIA'S PAST.
Duelling I'm the CoIony--Iea4, 1867.
A FLEA FOR AN ADEQUATE HISTORY OF
THE Old DOMINION.

Editors of the Dispatch: l offer for pre-
seryation in your valued columns the ac-
companying highly interesting historical
notes, which are from the pen OF the distin-
guishcd student W. Noel Sainsbury, Esq,
OF the Public-Rccord Office Of Great Britain,
and were recently transmitted to me. 1t is
opportune to refer to the Importance which
the characteristic, absorbing, and lifetime
devoted labors of Mr.. Sainsbury has
borne to correct knowledge OF the
history of Virginia. markedly in their
published results in that golden trea-
sury of reference and deduction the
Calendar Of State Papers OF the English
Government, and but recently in the inn
portant abstracts from the British State
Paper Office, which have been furnished by
him to our State Library, under the judi
cious management of the Joint Library
Committee, and of General Mcdonald. our
Jealous and efficient Secretary OF the Com
monwealtl and State Librarian. Some idea
OF the peculiar traits OF Mr.. Sainsbury in
hts appointed sphere-of his self-sacrifcing
and conscientious devotion-may be de-
rived from an inspection OF the papers just
noticed; majority OF which are not only
in his own handwriting, but are also en-
riched with critical explanatory notes
drawn from the wealth Of his so careful and
extended Investigations. Much, therefore,
OF that which has been not only dim, indefi-
mite, and scarcely coniecturabe in the past,
is now presented in graphic detail.
The history Of Virginia has confessedly
never been adequately written, though
the earliest settlement on this continent,
and therefore from the beginning largely
and Importantly coutributive to the adj
vancement, growth, and prosperity OF her
Younger sisters. Rieh-as is established
she is in precious records and in golden tra-
ditions, in nobly inctative examples Of
honor, chivalry. and patriotism; in the
proverbial traits OF her people-their
open-hearted welcome and unstinted hos
pitality; of honest conviction, un-
wavering truth, calm fortitude, and
heroic resignation when adversely assails.
How important is it, therefore, to secure
every narrative and every document eXem-
plifying our glorious past-our duty, IN
deed, not only to ourselves and to the claims
Of our heritage, but to the generations to
succeed us Hopefully, under happier and
more prosperous auspiceS), demands what
is scarce more than passing thought and
an insignificant expenditure. 1t can but
be confidently expected that our General AS
sembly, the delegated guardians ofthe honor
OF our State, will endeavor to retain
1,,.o able services Of Mr.. SainsblUy
until the valuable resources within his
control snail have yielded all that may be
desirable to the future historian OF Fir-
ginia. Nor should the precious matter in
our own State archives be allowed to rest
neglected. The publication OF the Calendar
of State Papers, so lovingly edited by DIR.
Palmer, should be speedily completed with
the second volume, which is said to want
but little further preparation for final COM
initial to the printer.
Apropos OF duelling in the colony, find
from card appearing in the Virginia Ga
zette of May 2s, 1867, from DR.. Corbin Grit
tin (brother of Judge Cyrus Gritin), as
friend OF DR.. Arthur Lee, Of national fame,
that challenge passed from the latter to
James Mercer afterwards member OF Con-
gresS) on the 9th OF April of that year. and
that a hostile meeting was appointed be-
tween them for the following day, at point
near Williamsburg. 1t did not, however,
take place, Mr.. Mercer falling to attend.
No account OF the adjustment OF the differ
ence is given. Very truly yours,
r. \. BROCK.
Richmond, February 81, 1877.