July 11-12, 1864 - Early's Invasion: Lincoln fired upon at Fort Stevens; Silver Spring, MD
July 11 and 12, 1864
The Battle of Fort Stevens
Washington, D.C.
Horatio G. Wright VI Army Corps
vs.
That desperate bastard Jubal Early
With everyone pulled into the fighting around Richmond and Petersburg, Washington, DC was left virtually defenseless against the Confederate forces that had broken through at Monocacy (eventually). Literally, only sick and old guys were left in the forts around the capital. When Early got to the outskirts of DC there were really just these few irregulars left to defend the city, and they fought badly on the first day. Citizens of DC were in a panic. Some, like those working in the quartermaster's office, were quickly armed and organized. However, the Union had bought itself time at Monocacy, and as a result Fort Stevens was fully reinforced with people who knew what they were doing on the second day of battle. Grant was able to spare a few from Virginia; the Confederates were hoping he would do that, but he didn't take enough to make much of a difference to Virginia. Some of the other reinforcements came by ship all the way from New Orleans. Famously, Lincoln observed the battle personally. Early's exhausted army was turned away from DC after some half-hearted attempts at taking the fort, and they also abandoned a plan to raid the Eastern Shore of Maryland for Confederate prisoners of war at Point Lookout, though those Confederate raiders (Johnson and the hated Gilmor) caused plenty of trouble in Maryland despite abandoning the rescue mission before rejoining the main Confederate retreat.
It was originally called Fort Massachusetts, but renamed for General Isaac Ingalls Stevens, after he was killed on Sept. 2, 1862 after 2nd Manassas at the Battle of Chantilly - which is one of my favorites.
Other than Hagerstown, this was the most urban battlefield I visited. In fact, the real Fort Steven was taken down right after the war, along with most of the 60+ other hastily constructed forts encircling the capital. Some of these were even on quickly seized enemy territory in Virginia at the start of the war! This fort essentially took over a block in a neighborhood of freed blacks. Specifically, they emptied Aunt Bettie's house and tore it down; and after razing an AME church, they used the space for am ammunition depot and the extant basement as a military prison! ( https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=72830 ; https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=147739 ) After the war it was completely abandoned and become the neighborhood dump. The earthworks and cannon still visible today are fake: recreations installed by work corps in the 1930s. The cannons look down on DC from these heights, but the attackers must have come from behind those, and to the left. There were some historical markers but no visitors center, so I couldn't ask anyone and had to figure it out myself- with the help of my trusty lookout.
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Lincoln mostly lived in the U.S. Soldier's and Airmen's Home in NW DC, and Fort Steven is only 2 miles away. So he, and Mrs. Lincoln, traveled to the fort on the second day of the battle- after the reinforcements had arrived. You would think this battle would be more famous. It was the only time a sitting U.S. President came under enemy fire. One story has it that Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. saw someone standing up on the parapets and screamed something like, "Tell that damned fool to get down!"; Lincoln heard this directed at himself and was tickled by it. He may have later told Holmes, "I see you know how to talk to civilians" or something like that. The battle was five or six miles from the White House.
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Monument to the 25th NY Cavalry
A moment of Zen in Rock Creek Park, DC, which contained several of the other fortifications guarding the city to the North, including a couple sites that were engaged during the Fort Steven action.
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A little further up the road sits the Walter Reed Medical Center. Some rebel climbed some tree on this campus to act as a sharpshooter against Fort Stevens. I read a bunch of fascinating historical markers about the evolution of the Walter Reed facility, but nothing about that particular tree. It's there though. I need to go back and look harder. That's fine. I've been through Middletown, MD like three times at this point.
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Also, since Early stopped by there, let's talk about Silver Spring, MD now. This provides more details than the markers in the city. The marker entitled "Jubal Early's Raid on Washington" (and another called "Silver Spring in the Civil War") were both formerly in Silver Spring but have been removed! Anyway: Early marched down what is now Georgia Ave., camping for the night "by the famous spring." Breckinridge used the Blair mansion as a headquarters - because he knew them - sparing the main house but burning other Blair properties. And yes, that Fleetwood Mac song is about here, sorta. [Be sure to check out my music blog if you're into that!] Here's what I got, mostly from tiny Acorn Park, crowded out downtown.
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The Silver Spring
The community of Silver Spring derives its name from a mica flecked sparkling spring which existed in the immediate area and is now commemorated in this park. Francis Preston Blair, who came to Maryland from Kentucky to publish a newspaper in support of President Andrew Jackson, found the spring while horseback riding in 1842. Enchanted with the spot, Blair built his summer home, also called "Silver Spring", near this site. The rustic acorn-shaped gazebo is typical of lawn structures dating from early to mid-nineteenth century and is believed to have been on Blair's estate. Restored in 1997, through a public/private partnership, the park will continue to provide beauty in the community of Silver Spring.
Erected by Montgomery County Department of Park and Planning.
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Park, gazebo, and spring.   |
The Community of Silver Spring, Maryland, derives its name from this spring, discovered in 1840 by Francis Preston Blair and his daughter, Elizabeth. While riding on horseback in the woods beyond Washington, rays of sun on mica sand particles in the water caused Mr. Blair to name it "The Silver Spring." This also identified his estate and summer home built in 1842.
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| More of this please: Rogue historical marker! In remembrance of those named and unnamed who were enslaved by Frances Preston Blair, Sr. and released from bondage on November 1, 1864. |
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Early's Raid on Washington
Washington, D.C. was raided in 1864 by 14,000 Confederate troops led by General Jubal Early. Skirmishes took place in Silver Spring and Washington, with the attack finally being stopped at Fort Stevens - just a few miles south of this site. Seventeen of the Confederate soldiers killed in this battle are buried at Grace Episcopal Church on Georgia Avenue.
The Confederate officers under General Early made their headquarters at the Blair residence, “Silver Spring”, which was ransacked. The nearby home of Montgomery Blair, then Postmaster General of the United States, was burned to the ground.
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In 1842, Francis Preston Blair built a country house very near this park and divided his time between his 300 acre farm and his city residence "Blair House", which is now the President's official guest house in Washington, D.C. Blair was a powerful newspaper publisher and a friend of President Andrew Jackson.
Blair called his estate "Silver Spring", after a beautiful natural spring on the property which bubbled up through mica rock, giving it the appearance of being lined with silver. The town that grew up near Blair's farm became known as Silver Spring.
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Here's another Blair house that was spared the torch.
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Jesup Blair House
Francis Preston Blair brought his family to Washington from Kentucky at the invitation of President Andrew Jackson to publish a newspaper supporting his administration. Between 1842 and 1854, the Blair family built three summer homes in Silver Spring. This structure initially served as a summer home for Francis Preston Blair's son, James, a Naval Officer, who made his fortune during the 1848 Gold Rush in California. James and Mary Blair, named their home the Moorings, a nautical reference. During the Civil War, Soldiers camped at the Moorings. The last Blair to own the house, Violet Blair Janin, Daughter of James, designated the house for public use in her will and changed the name to Jesup Blair in honor of her brother. From 1934 to 1957, the house served the community as the Silver Spring Public Library.
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The Blair Family and the Civil War
In his declaration of war on April 15, 1861, President Lincoln made an urgent request:
“I appeal to all loyal citizens to favor, facilitate and aid said effort to maintain the honor, the integrity, and the existence of our National Union, and the perpetuity of popular government; and to redress wrongs already long enough endured.”
Every member of the Blair family earnestly answered this call to duty.
When President Lincoln filled his Cabinet positions, he appointed Montgomery Blair U.S. Postmaster General. Until his resignation in September 1864, Blair was responsible for ensuring that postal routes remained open in southern post offices still loyal to the Union, as well as facilitating the establishment of free city postal delivery, the adoption of a money order system, and the use of railway mail cars during the Civil War. His placement in the Cabinet was strategic, as Blair was instrumental in keeping Maryland in the Union.
Montgomery Blair, a West Point graduate, had hoped to serve as Secretary of War. Such a title might put him in closer contact with his younger brother, Missouri Congressman Frank Blair Jr., a Union General who actively participated in combat throughout the South, including Sherman's March to the Sea. For his efforts, General U.S. Grant said of Frank Blair, “There was no man braver than he, nor was there any who obeyed all orders of his superior in rank with more unquestioning alacrity.”
Throughout his tenure as President, Lincoln relied on Francis P. Blair, Sr. as his “private counselor.” In an attempt to bring the rebellion to an end, “Father Blair” went on an authorized mission to Virginia, twice, to secure a peace treaty from Jefferson Davis. The results of these operations were less than successful: “Francis P. Blair, Sr., returned from Richmond, and brought with him precisely what sensible men expected — that is just nothing.” In his own words, Blair concurred — calling himself a ‘total failure.’
Only a few months after Blair Sr. returned, General Robert E. Lee would surrender in Appomattox and the war would conclude on April 9, 1865. The sweet taste of victory was short-lived as Lincoln was assassinated less than a week later. In her mourning, former First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln sought solace from Elizabeth Blair Lee and her family: “Remember me most truly, to your brother, Judge (Montgomery) Blair, and your dear father & mother & all friends.”
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The Blair Family and their Silver Spring Homes
“…[They] have to an unusual degree the spirit of [a] clan. Their family is a closed corporation.”
Secretary John Hay recorded a White House conversation in which the President Abraham Lincoln, spoke of the Blair family: “…[They] have to an unusual degree the spirit of [a] clan. Their family is a closed corporation.” The Blair family landholdings along 7th Street Pike, today’s Georgia Avenue, were significant — around 1000 acres. The property eventually encompassed three family homes.
Silver Spring
At the head was Francis Preston Blair, Sr., a journalist, newspaper editor, founding member of the Republican Party and presidential advisor.
Although Francis and his wife Eliza resided primarily in Washington D.C., Blair Sr. — according to local lore — was enamored with the abundance of natural resources in Montgomery County. It was a mica-flecked spring that drew him to build a country estate beyond the District line, and inspired its name “Silver Spring” It served as a summer retreat for the Blairs, and it included a ca. 1842 brick Gothic Revival style home, defined as “rather fine-appearing mansion” — quite the contrast to the small quarters reserved for slaves laboring on his farm. The property also included a picturesque garden that could be enjoyed from a gazebo in the shape of a giant acorn. Political dignitaries of the day visited the site including President Lincoln.
Here, Blair Sr. retired and lived out his days from 1854 until 1876. This house stood until 1954, when it was demolished.
Falkland
Falkland, a three-story brick structure was constructed in 1854 by politician and attorney Montgomery Blair. It was considered to be “a much finer edifice than that of the elder Blair.” Such a home was soon fitting for Blair who gained notoriety as attorney for freed slave Dred Scott in the 1856 Federal Supreme Court case that decided African Americans were not citizens of this country and had no legal standing. Because of Montgomery Blair’s Union allegiance during the civil War, Falkland “was burnt by stragglers” in the Confederate Army in July 1864. Blair lived at the Moorings while his house was rebuilt.
The Moorings
The Moorings, today known as the Jesup Blair House, is a two-story frame dwelling built for U.S. Naval Officer James Blair by his father and his wife Mary in 1850, had thirteen rooms and a bathroom. Due to James’ untimely demise in 1853, he never was able to occupy the house. Mary and her children Violet, Jesup, and Lucy James (Jimmy) Blair, found comfort living there close to relatives.
Although Violet Blair Janin inherited the property from her mother, she resided in Washington where participation in club activities kept her in the elite social and diplomatic circles. Janin eventually renamed the house in honor of her younger brother, Jesup, who died in 1902. Violet and her husband Judge Albert Janin, also owned and operated Mammoth Cave, now a National Park.
When Violet Blair Janin bequeathed the house and surrounding land as a public park in perpetuity to the state of Maryland in 1933, the Moorings was no longer a residence, but had been converted into the Silver Spring library. When this park opened on September 23, 1934, it included 15 acres of fine oak trees, and the Colonial Revival mansion designed by Howard W. Cutler and built by laborer from the Civil Works Administration. Such was a fitting legacy for a town named in honor of a mica-flecked spring.
Blair House
This 1824 structure was the Blair family’s primary residence located in Washington, DC directly across from the White House. Since 1942, Blair House has served as the official state guest house for the President of the United States.
The Grove
Please help us preserve the grove of ancient oak trees that surround the House by not walking on the tree’s root system. This causes soil compaction, which can be fatal to the trees. Your compliance ensures that future generations can have the same experience Violet Blair Janin had here in these natural surroundings: “I think of the joyous e’enings, Under the old oak trees, With the moonlight shadows moving, When Stirred by the gentle breeze.” Her thoughtful donation to the State of Maryland provided this property for you.
Erected 2015 by History in the Parks.
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Silver Spring Experienced by a Mother and Child, 1861-1865
6 August 1863: “Our weather continues intensely hot, so far Blair endures it well — cheerful as a bird — out under the trees all day about the Spring where it is cool from the dense shade & the cool waters, he makes mill dams, mud cakes & runs barefooted…”
— Elizabeth Blair Lee
In 1860, just prior to the start of the Civil War, there were over 18,322 residents in Montgomery County, including 8,177 children. One of those youngsters was Blair Lee, (1857–1944) the son of Samuel and Elizabeth Blair Lee and grandson of Francis P. Blair. Just three years old when combat began, young Blair stayed at Silver Spring in the summer months while his father served as a Rear Admiral in the U. S. Navy. Samuel Lee, (1812–1897) led blockades along the coastal waters of Virginia and North Carolina and then along the Mississippi River until 1865.
During these formative years, Blair Lee’s mother encouraged him to experience life as a curious boy should and she recorded these happenings in letters that kept her husband abreast of their son’s development. A typical day for Blair included playing outdoors in nature with his pets, pretending to be a soldier and building forts, gardening with his mother and picking flowers, spending time with his grandparents and cousins, doing chores around the farm, learning to read and write, and longing for his father’s return and end of the war.
Elizabeth Blair Lee (1818–1906) escaped the ordeal of losing a husband during the Civil War. She was also spared the tragic event of sending her son off to combat and never seeing him again. Her son became the first popularly elected US Senator from Maryland in 1913.
Because Blair was born into a politically connected and affluent family, his daily activities like differed from those of many other children residing in Montgomery County. For instance, more than a half of Montgomery County’s slave population included young African American boys and girls aged 18 and under. Instead of leisure, these children typically endured hard physical labor from sunrise to sunset six days a week. Although living beside seven enslaved children on the same estate allowed Blair Lee to enjoy more playful pursuits, the adoption of a new state constitution in Maryland on November 1, 1864 changed the way of life for Blair and many others.
Erected 2015 by History in the Parks.
[Not Pictured]
The Civil War in Silver Spring
Just west of the Jesup Blair House was "Falklands," home of President Lincoln's Postmaster General, Montgomery C. Blair, and "Silver Spring," home of his father, Francis Preston Blair. During the attack on Ft. Stevens, July 11 and 12, 1864, Confederate General Jubal Early had his headquarters at the Blair Home, "Silver Spring." By accident or intent, "Falklands" burned during Early's withdrawal.
Sources:
Spaulding, Brett. Last Chance For Victory: Jubal Early's 1864 Maryland Invasion.
https://www.battlefields.org/learn/civil-war/battles/fort-stevens
https://montgomeryhistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Vol12No1_MCStory.pdf
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