Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-07-06


BlaS~rsOurg WA . great military blunder On
the part o. GeE Winder, although the circum-
stances left him eithout blame. The idea,
however, that it WIS an igpominious rout Is an
error. I have heard that the men were So
exasperated at being obliged to obey the order
that many of them turned and fired frequently
during their retreat. Three or four hundred
of the British killed and 600 wounded,
while the American loss but 20 killed and
30 or 40 wounded. which would prove that q
pretty good fight was had
Thomas Parker, an officer Of Gen. Smiths
command, thus closes q letter describing the
battle: 1t is but Justice to the troops of Gen.
Smiths Brigade, and those attached to it, TO
say, that no Vestige of trepidation or alarm
was shown. and that they retained their posi-
lions tin ordered to retreat. I speak of those
troops especially, and of Barneys and Miller's,
because was most with them
The ravine IA which the British were killed
was known for years Dead Mems Hollow
and the stories heard Of their scant burial
always brought grewSome thrills while driving
over the spot SO called.
Once, accompanying my mother on a visit
TO Mrs. Madison, she kindly, to crafty child's
desire, gave me q sketch of the part she PLAYED
IN those strenuous days
There never a more ardent American
than was William Basby. He had q very DOW
erful baritone voice and was q fine singer He
was q friend of Francis Scott Key and, if not
sing The Star Epangled Banner which was
adapted to the air of q familiar Masonic drink
ing song. The Masons Of that day seem to have
been decidedly convivial. have never heard
ANYTHING so inspiring as the singing by my
father and brothers of Keys immortal song
IS A FTER the burning of the Navy Yard IN
1914, Mr.. Easily, with his wife who was
the sister Of Edward Sinlms, and their two
little girls, returned to Philadelphia, where he
remained until recalled to take the position
Of master builder after the Navy Yard was re-
built. while IN Philadelphia his two sons we're
added 10 the family.
in 1923 John Lengtharl was employed in
the mold loft at the Navy Yard, where acute
mathematical knowledge is absolutely essential
1t was here, under my fathers supervision that
Mr.. Lengthan became expert constructor
and proved himself when in the course of
time and through promotion he filled with
credit and honor the position of chief con-
structor of the Navy.
I'm 1924 my father was appointed by Presi-
dent Monroe captain of ri1emen OF the I'd
Legion, 1st Brigade, of the Militia of the Dis
trict of Columbia, and was ever after known
by the title thus given him. Employed at the
head Of different divisions were also my grand
father, Benjamin King, and my great-uncle,
John Davis Of Abel These, with nv father
had much to do with the foundation and
the lourishing condition of the Masonic Naval
Lodge My father also belonged to Washington
Chapter, No. Is, of Royal Arch MaSons where
in ls49 he was king
Benjamin King built his residence on the
corner Of and Tenth streets and John Davis
Of Abel built his on adjoining property with
garden spots between. Both houses are still
standing.
by David Baltic Warden. published IN Paris
in 1915, under the head Of Navy Yard, Forges'
ETC., nnd The director, Benjamin King. o..
native Of England, formerly employed Ut the
Clyde and Carron WORKS, has a salary of
$2.oOo, besides annual allowance for house
rent
Benjamin King Afterward built another
residence farther east He died in Philadelphia
.swss sqa NJ psAH sIouupuszS kW 'ot8I uI
house where he died in 1853, es did his widow
in 1881. In the Congressional Cemetery Com
modore Tmgey's lot is the flrSt one enters
the old gate my grandfather's is the second
and my granduncle's is just in the rear. The
first graves opened IN the cemetery were those
for Mrs. Tingey and my Grandmother King en-
the same day. They died before the cemetery
was ready and were first buried in Georgetown.
Capt Easily was an ardent Wing and upon
Andrew Jacksons inauguration he resigned his
position rather than be subject to dismissal,
for the shbboleth of that time was: To the
victors belong the spoils'"
THE Gusts family was another we'll known
and highly respected family that lived On
East Capitol street, opposite the Library OF
Congress. j. B. Gregg Custis noted homeo-
patffic physician. lived at No. 10 with his
father, DR.. G. w. N. Gusts, and it WIS the
latter's daughter, Miss Villa Custis who was
killed in August 1897, when out driving with
Judge H. o. ClRughton, and when struck BY
a train at the Deanwood crossing. Judge
ClaughtOn and the two horses he was driving
were also killed
MT. Mahoney, in speaking of the Old Brick
Cauitol block and Grant Row to the east,