The thanks of the author are due to 001. Robert A. Brock, Prof. Frank P. Brent, and Mr. W. G. Stanard for valuable assistance during his researches in the Virginia State Library and the Virginia Historical Society. It is impossible to mention here the many persons, both white and colored, who, by their interest in my undertak ing, have rendered it less burdensome.1 But it is both a pleasure and a duty to acknowledge my obligations to my friends. Messrs. W. S. Francis and B. P. Woodard, who accompanied me in my journeys and rendered me distinct service in securing a better knowledge of South ampton county and the illustrations of this book. I wish also to acknowledge my indebtedness to Dr. J. C. Ballagh.