The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1888-05-06

out of the late war in 1861 Under It's
accomplished commandant Capt. Charles
Dimmock, it was an honor to the STATE,
and a living testimonial to his worth as
man, and his merits rs an officer. All
these wears its duties had been to guard
the pubic property. In addition TO these
requirements, it was regarded as a sort
of nucleus or rallying point, about which
might be gathered stronger force,
should circumstances ever require il. It.
presence in the midst Of the community
inspired certain sense of security; a
base upon which the volunteers might
depend in case Of need.
GABRIELs REBELLION.
Another and quite different origin
has been assigned 10 this little standing
army in Virginia by some. 1t is doubt
less known TO many that during Mr..
MonrOes gubernatorial term, serious
and widespread conspiracy was organic
ed among the negroes by a slave named
Gabriel. His well-laid plans would un-
doubtedly have been ultimately prostra-
ted but meantime, his followers would
have done vast injury TO persons and
property all over the State. But for a
PrOvdential interference, the rise OF
Brook Creek four miles north Of the city,
his mongrel forces would have gotten in
to Richmond during the dead hours OF
night and commenced the career Of de-
structiOn he had contemplated. Before
undertaking this part Of his campaign,
be had actually taken the pains to find
out where the State kept her small arms.
These he found were kept in the loft over
the pOriicO Of the new Capitol His
design was to set fire to the town at as
many different places as possible, and
while the inhabitants were busy with
efforts 10 extinguish the flames he was
to secure the arms for the use Of his peO-
pie. The fear OF a recurrence Of some
such CHASTITY episode, it is said, resulted
in the establishment of the public guard.
That we have given the true cause OF this
measure is made apparent by the fact
that the steps taken toward lis initiation
autedate the events just mentioned.
THE CAPITOL SQUARE GUARD.
We have now g0he sufficiently into our
subject to give "a satisfactory reply as to
the original purpose in erecting the old
tower After the completion of the ar
mory, including It's shops and barracks
on the confines OF the city, the company
being Quartered there, it became neces-
sary to have a guard on the Capitol
Square. The guard did duty al the Peui-
Tertiary also, but this place was so near
headquarters that details could be sent
from the armory for that purpose. The
old building on lhe square was, therefore,
erected 10 accommodate the guard sent
every morning 10 relieve that of the pre-
vious DAY Years ago the file of soldiers
under "a sergeant were To- be seen moving
with military precision over the same
daily route % their duties. They wore
dark blue uniforms, with yellow and red
trimmings, with high, bell crowned, black,
leather hats, surmOuuted by a short yellow
pompOn of wool. As soon as the fOrmali
ties at the guard-hOuse had been gone
through, detail was sent to relieve the
sentry on duty at the Capitol. One of
these paced his silent round outside the
building on particular well-beaten walk
on which no intruder was allowed 10 tres
pass. The other took charge OF the
square space within, where stands the
81 atue of Washington. The writer well
recalls the sense of awe with which his
boyish fancy regarded this solemn and
important looking parsonage. And even
in later years the silent figure with
musket and cross-belt standing mo.
tionless at his post afforded pleas
ing accessory to the picturesque old
building he so faithfully guarded. One Of
the duties required OF the guard was to
strike the hours by rope attached to a
spring knocker in the belfry, so adjusted
as to recOil after the stroke had been
made upon the bell itself. The time was
regulated by a clock below in the guard
room. The consequence was peo-
pie frequently found it safer to depend
upon their own watches rather than upon
the voice from the iron tongue in the
belfry. During the night, as the watcher
struck the passing hours, all the senti-
nels were required TO let il be known
that they were not asleep on their posts.
A sense of secdriIy pervaded the entire
as they heard the welcome
ANS well" as 1t hoated out sOlemnly
upon the silent darkness; for Richmond