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00:03:23All one had to do was step across the narrow gut.
00:03:55As early as the 17th century, a unique tradition began to take shape, unfolding once or even twice a year.
00:04:05Horses and ponies left to roam freely on both islands were herded into makeshift pens to be branded and sometimes
00:04:13sold.
00:04:15What began as a gathering for hunters and early settlers soon evolved into a larger event, drawing people from the
00:04:24mainland who came not only to visit, but to partake in this time-honored affair.
00:04:29And they lay there.
00:04:48And they lay there.
00:04:59A bear.
00:05:01James.
00:05:03Look here.
00:05:08Who's that old man over there with that meager-looking little boy?
00:05:11Oh, that'd be Robins, the squatter.
00:05:14A squatter?
00:05:16Those fellows with debt sent over to squat on unclaimed land.
00:05:20Yeah, I know, but that was a long time ago.
00:05:22Our granddaddy split up all this land back in the day for people to squat on.
00:05:32This is how we eat.
00:05:38Don't recall he ever taken a wife.
00:05:40Oh, he ain't married. That boy, that be James, he came here alone.
00:05:50We have enough to eat now, James. Come on.
00:05:58That boy looks scarred.
00:06:00He's not gonna get plump off oysters.
00:06:03Just...
00:06:03Don't mind their gander.
00:06:08Robins, I seen you and the boy out there scavenge it for food.
00:06:11Won't you join me and Mary for supper?
00:06:15Come across any scissors from that ship's wreck?
00:06:18John been needing a cut for some time now.
00:06:22No scissors for trade, ma'am.
00:06:25We got plenty of wool blankets to trade.
00:06:30James and I'll be fine.
00:06:55I don't like oysters.
00:07:00This is what we're gonna be eating.
00:07:02This is our food.
00:07:17James, now that you're hearing me, I want to tell you a story.
00:07:22Years ago, there was a great storm at sea.
00:07:28There was a ship in the storm.
00:07:31I heard men calling out.
00:07:34I heard women screaming.
00:07:37I heard the ship crack.
00:07:40And I knew it was lost.
00:07:43I knew that the people were doomed.
00:07:46But there was a mother on that ship, James.
00:07:49And she had a little boy.
00:07:53And to save that little boy, she strapped him to the hatch.
00:07:59And she pushed him overboard before the ship sank.
00:08:05So that the hatch would drift up on shore.
00:08:13The next morning, I went out and I looked.
00:08:17And there were no survivors.
00:08:20There were just floats and debris on the shore.
00:08:26But I saw a hatch.
00:08:31And there was a young boy tied to that hatch.
00:08:42He was alone.
00:08:45And he was you, James.
00:08:53You came here alone.
00:09:01What doomed European ship brought James ashore is not certain.
00:09:06What is certain, the first European encroachment occurred hundreds of years before, marking a fateful moment in history.
00:09:25The islands of Jinkatik and Asetik, rich with the bounty of game, fish and shellfish, had long served as vital
00:09:35resources for the native people who called these shores home.
00:09:39That's him.
00:10:07Her brother, a farmer falls and will be.
00:10:09He was a man in the woods.
00:10:09Well, there was an island.
00:10:25Historians debate the exact location where the French ship La Delphine anchored in the vicinity,
00:10:31but appears that in the year 1524, two worlds met here.
00:10:50Oka Brinny, be that you.
00:11:08My wife, Margaret, inherited land over on Jingletee.
00:11:13After you grub a pasture, the livestock and the horses will follow.
00:11:24Figured you, being best with my horses and all.
00:11:33Unless you prefer back to the pig straw.
00:11:37Yes, mouse.
00:11:55Plenty of rain forms here for you and the livestock.
00:11:59Not long after, though, the puddles become brackish, so get a well dug.
00:12:07Should you need to call on me, both the Bowdens and the Thorntons live on the island.
00:12:10They'll send word.
00:12:16Ah, other coloreds will be working here, too.
00:12:21You need not fraternize with them.
00:12:31My Margaret will be keen to hear about her granted property here.
00:12:38Fair news will brighten her spirits.
00:12:44See, we've been trying to have...
00:12:49never mind about that.
00:12:56A lot of work to be done here.
00:13:01Keep my faith in you and I'll send your Lady Nell over for visits.
00:13:07Thank you, Master Stockler.
00:13:09Thank you, Master Stockler.
00:14:21God is with us, blessing the dying and those we grieve.
00:14:30In your mercy, God, forgive what we have been, help us to amend what we are, and direct
00:14:38us as to what we shall be.
00:14:44In the midst of life, we find ourselves in death.
00:14:48My condolences on the loss of your wife.
00:14:54Thank you for your blessings.
00:14:57The tattooed one, the others, and they served you well.
00:15:10Ochre.
00:15:12What about him?
00:15:14Charles, we meet this lonesome day because slavery is a mortal sin in the eyes of the Lord.
00:15:22That is, if your wish is to be with him in his kingdom in heaven.
00:15:32Know all men by these that I, Charles Stockley, up the county.
00:15:37The county of Acklemac in Virginia.
00:15:42So impressed with thee.
00:15:47The fullest sensibility of the equal rights of human nature to personal liberty and being
00:15:53desirous of contributing thereto, as far as the emancipation of my slaves, manumitted,
00:16:01discharged, and set free.
00:16:08Yes.
00:16:11Samson, Abel, Francis, Ocobrini, Levi and Ezekiel, Esther and Childe Rose,
00:16:37I do for myself and my heirs, I gratify, grant, and confirm unto the aforementioned several
00:16:50Negroes and their heirs forever.
00:16:57I have here unto set my hand and sealed this 27th day of September in the year 1787.
00:17:13I know it's not all of them.
00:17:17Well, it is a start.
00:17:24Well, it appears that Methodist preacher done changed you like he did George Corbin and William
00:17:31Paralmore this county.
00:17:33Perhaps.
00:17:36Or, fearing God hates me so.
00:17:44Thank you, Master Stockley, for my freedom this day.
00:17:49I was wondering if my wife's name be called.
00:17:53No, I just consign you, but I cannot rid myself of now.
00:18:03If something rubs you wrong, then speak on it.
00:18:05It's just fine, Master Stockley, it's fine.
00:18:13You've done splendid work here.
00:18:17Raising cattle, grazing horses.
00:18:23Be ashamed to leave what you started.
00:18:28You'd like me to stay?
00:18:32Free of charge.
00:18:36I hope it brings you much joy here.
00:18:40I'd like sitting here.
00:18:43My soul already free.
00:18:46Permission to come over and see my nail?
00:18:52As you please.
00:18:55You're a free man now.
00:18:59Oker.
00:19:01Yes, sir?
00:19:03Have I ever told you about this hat?
00:19:06My Margaret used to plead with me to let her purchase me a new one.
00:19:12But I would not allow it.
00:19:16You see, I've had this hat for a long time.
00:19:18Since the war.
00:19:22It's reliable.
00:19:25Dependable.
00:19:28I've grown to trust this hat.
00:19:32Something like this is hard to let go of.
00:19:37You understand what I'm saying, Oker?
00:19:40Yes.
00:19:42Yes.
00:19:49I'll send Neil over for a visit.
00:19:58Ô, the Other.
00:20:05Dear.
00:20:23these will provide you much use thank you for the heights mr. Thornton sir you had
00:20:33another run-in with mr. William Burks you reckon right and I'll be damned if I will not lawsuit him
00:20:39again oh well here's the fee not yet paid for the work you done
00:20:46thank you sir mr. Thornton I wonder if you might read on this letter for me come this morning messenger
00:20:56from master stockman
00:21:05I'm sorry to be the one reading this to you but Charles Stockley not he well and it since wrote
00:21:11a will
00:21:12says lots here that pertains to you
00:21:17Ocher I've given your boy Ocher jr. 14 and son of Nell to my son Nehemiah for a set time
00:21:26to expire at age 21 years
00:21:28and then set free in any word on my Nell
00:21:40not not that my good eye can read just that Ocher jr. better be on his way to Barnett
00:21:47worry not Ocher worry not according to Stockley's will your boys be set free in due time
00:22:01go down Moses go down Moses hello
00:22:12Pharaoh Pharaoh let my people go
00:22:21let my people go
00:22:23go down Moses go down Moses
00:22:31go down Moses hello Pharaoh let my people go
00:22:56come over the tax the horses again you or any local happen to know
00:23:02where I'd find a free colored fella name up Brittany you're gonna tax cattle then
00:23:11My business is not to come here for tax.
00:23:15Ochre mines to himself.
00:23:17What has he done?
00:23:18How about you take me to him, huh?
00:23:25Pop!
00:23:26I'm coming this way.
00:23:28Oh.
00:23:28Ochre, Brenny, be that you?
00:23:31What is it?
00:23:33Mainlander wants to have a word with you.
00:23:35Well, these beasts ain't for sale.
00:23:37They're for...
00:23:37Not here to buy your herd.
00:23:39Well, I can't be bought none either.
00:23:40I was a free man.
00:23:42I'm not here for that.
00:23:45My name is John Custis from Drummond Town.
00:23:49Mr. Brenny, I'm here to present you with this here letter.
00:23:58This a reward?
00:23:59In some ways, it is.
00:24:03Just crossed my mind.
00:24:05You haven't been taught to read, so I'll...
00:24:08Well, it says here,
00:24:10Through the local courts of Acomac County,
00:24:14In the year of our Lord, 1810,
00:24:19You are hereby exempt from paying taxes
00:24:24By reason of age and infirmity.
00:24:29What the courts have decided is from here on out, Mr. Brenny,
00:24:33You free of all taxation.
00:24:36No more money owed on every head of your cattle.
00:24:41No taxing ownership on your property.
00:24:44Are you asking on profit?
00:24:47He just has the currency.
00:24:49Why not?
00:24:51How is not paying taxes a reward?
00:24:55How is not paying taxes a reward?
00:24:57How is not paying taxes a reward?
00:25:03How is not paying taxes a reward?
00:25:16You are making a loss of the land,
00:25:20How is not paying taxes a reward?
00:25:22It's uncertain who raised James from childhood, but according to his descendants, the boy grew up as one with the
00:25:30land.
00:25:31Gathering oysters, digging for clams, roaming the piney marshes of Acetig, becoming much a part of the island life.
00:26:03¶¶
00:26:33you know who owns that herd of ponies out yonder those ponies those ponies are owned by the pasture
00:26:43i don't quite follow you sir no man can be taxed for those ponies
00:26:49they belong to no one in title or deed
00:26:55yeah i've heard that story many times story about a herd of ponies wash ashore from a shipwreck
00:27:06you ever heard any different being a waterman there's a whole lot of work here for you
00:27:14not very much food is it worth it
00:27:24what was he saying about
00:27:27sit down james
00:27:31between the broad ocean and the soft bay people say we can't make a living at it
00:27:38but we have mint the sea and she gives up her treasures for us to use remember that james
00:27:53so
00:28:00so
00:28:36Molasses, sugar, powder, flint
00:28:41You have enough found cargo to cast your own voyage
00:28:45All the advantages from the sea
00:28:50These are the blessings of our livelihood
00:28:55And as for the ship I was told which brought me here
00:29:00Reckon those
00:29:01Were a blessing
00:29:04You were the blessing, James
00:29:06Whether by God's hand or from the sea
00:29:16Where are you headed?
00:29:18To a sailor's talk about blessings from the sea
00:29:34Where is the ship?
00:29:38This ship is here
00:29:39I'm going to have to deal with this ship
00:29:42There's all that ship
00:29:46We're in the ship
00:29:46Where is it?
00:29:51We're in the boat
00:29:53We're in the boat
00:29:53We're in the boat
00:29:53We're in the boat
00:32:04Isaac Andrews, born upon the island on the waters, was discovered the next morning hanging in a pine tree by
00:32:10his waistband, some 20 feet from the ground.
00:32:13His wife and family swept away forever.
00:32:50At least five souls were lost in that storm, along with countless head of cattle and horses.
00:32:56Many locals chose to leave for the mainland.
00:33:00They were lost in that land.
00:33:00They were lost in that land.
00:33:22They were lost in that land.
00:33:46A native from New England arrived after his boat wrecked near the inlet.
00:33:51He married a local girl and settled in an area known as Deep Hole.
00:34:01His name was Timothy Hill, and the home he would soon inhabit remained in the Hill family for over 130
00:34:09years.
00:34:10The home itself still stands today.
00:34:49The home itself stands today.
00:34:56The home itself stands today.
00:34:56The local physician Thompson Holmes wrote to the Farmer's Register in 1835.
00:35:02The mad flight of wild horses careering along a narrow-level beach at the top of their speed,
00:35:08with manes and tails waving in the wind and forced into the angular pen of pine logs.
00:35:14You can scarcely imagine the extravagant enthusiasm with which this exciting sport was anticipated.
00:35:22It was a frantic carnival.
00:35:23Without its debauchery, the maddened snorts and whinnying of the whole gang altogether formed a scene of unrivaled noise and
00:35:32excitement.
00:35:58Who's that with Ben in hand?
00:36:00That's one of the government counting folks.
00:36:03Recording there by his name
00:36:13You came to the Lord
00:36:56You came to the Lord
00:37:29You came to the Lord
00:37:53That be James
00:37:55He came here alone
00:37:57You
00:37:59Could hear the Lord
00:38:09It must be a courthouse
00:38:10That's what it says outside
00:38:13You need a lawyer
00:38:16I don't have a name
00:38:16Where are you from?
00:38:19I think I did
00:38:19Have a seat
00:38:27Name?
00:38:28James
00:38:30James Lund
00:38:31James
00:38:32How do you spell your last name?
00:38:38All right then
00:38:39You said it was
00:38:41Lund
00:38:43Lund
00:38:44Date of birth
00:38:50Do you know
00:38:51When you were born?
00:38:55Not the first not to know
00:38:58About
00:39:021810
00:39:04Parents
00:39:08All right
00:39:09Not the only orphan in the county
00:39:13A waterman
00:39:14Yes
00:39:15Yes
00:39:16Sam
00:39:16I figured a waterman
00:39:19With trousers cut
00:39:20Such as yours
00:39:21There
00:39:22You are recorded
00:39:25As James Lund
00:39:38Very good
00:39:39Very good
00:39:41Mr. James Lund
00:40:02We'll say there's
00:40:02Need a light beacon
00:40:03Around
00:40:03You can take
00:40:06You and your fellow sailors
00:40:08Be pleased to hear
00:40:10Being that
00:40:11Coastal commerce
00:40:12Is growing
00:40:13The task
00:40:14To find a site
00:40:15For such a light
00:40:16Has been given
00:40:17To the collector
00:40:18Of customs
00:40:18At North
00:40:20A lighthouse
00:40:21Is to be built
00:40:26Thank you
00:40:53For such a light
00:41:43How long have you been here?
00:41:46Long enough to forget who I was.
00:41:49Do you ever wish to go back?
00:41:54Back to what?
00:42:00I was dropped here.
00:42:02So I was told.
00:42:04This place.
00:42:07This is all I know.
00:42:10Do you want me to change the subject?
00:42:14You scatter about many questions.
00:42:17Well, ever since I saw and heard about you, questions kept gathering and gathering.
00:42:23I didn't know you saw me.
00:42:24Oh, I saw you.
00:42:25Everyone saw you.
00:42:36So...
00:42:39As I live and breathe, memory of the old world remains vacant.
00:42:48God's grace, I wish it would.
00:42:50Do you ever feel that Providence is at work here?
00:42:56I do.
00:42:58Apart from him dealing with my memory, I already done forget your name.
00:43:04Don't think you ever asked.
00:43:14You're going to make me wait till autumn?
00:43:17Sally Helonzo.
00:43:37Seeing my reflection in the water.
00:43:42Reminds me of Sundays down on Master Stockley's land.
00:43:47No work could be done seeing it was Sunday and all.
00:43:52Being here now brings about a peace and knowing of freedom.
00:43:58Before I was stolen over to this land, my pa was a ruler in another land.
00:44:05Not a slaver, but a ruler, a fair ruler of men.
00:44:15And him being a ruler made me a prince.
00:44:20Ocher Brinney, the man believed to be the son of an African king, stolen into slavery, then
00:44:27emancipated in 1787, established generational wealth, and bought 75 acres of land in 1811.
00:44:35Come and think of it, Mr. Thornton.
00:44:37You still owe me money from the last slaughter.
00:44:39Oh.
00:44:40Oh.
00:44:41I'll, uh, have your money owed around the next harvest.
00:44:45Yeah, sure.
00:44:47Here you go.
00:44:48$212.
00:44:49And no taxes.
00:44:53Yep.
00:44:54That sure feels like $212.
00:44:58You usually don't get that money on the first degree, but you have to sit there and badger
00:45:02a man all the way to his grave.
00:45:04I sure know what you mean.
00:45:08Makes your mark right here, Mr. Brinney.
00:45:10He was rumored to be at least 100 years of age at the time of his death.
00:45:16By 1850, the black community he created reached 27% of the island's inhabitants.
00:45:23He was rumored to be at least 100 years of age at the time of his death.
00:45:23The man that he was in the last year of his death, was the king of the island's inhabitants.
00:45:23Moses, fellow Pharaoh, let my people go.
00:45:50On Acetig, just two years after its completion in 1833,
00:45:55the newly erected whitewashed lighthouse fueled by whale oil
00:45:59proved to be too low and too poorly illuminated to ward off vessels from the dangerous shoals.
00:46:05The towering trees of the surrounding forest began to obscure the light, rendering it nearly useless.
00:46:12Yet maritime traffic continued undeterred, and with it, the occasional wreck along the treacherous shore.
00:46:24The years that followed, however, brought notable changes.
00:46:29The island began to prosper with the construction of its first school and church.
00:46:33More islanders turned to the seas for their livelihood, rather than the land they once farmed.
00:46:41Then, on the 10th day of December, 1835, a new chapter was written in Acomit County records
00:46:48as James Lunn and Sally Halonzo were wed.
00:47:12Do you know about eggs came into space?
00:47:47For James Lunn,
00:47:49newly married yet scarcely
00:47:51having known the joy of a full
00:47:53union, the loss of
00:47:55Sally Alonzo was sudden.
00:47:57Her passing remains
00:47:59a mystery.
00:48:23Her passing remains a mystery.
00:48:32Let's go.
00:49:09Have you any more left in your catch?
00:49:11No. I'm afraid you're late to walk over, miss.
00:49:15That's a shame.
00:49:17Yes, that is a shame.
00:49:20Why's that?
00:49:26You came when returned.
00:49:29If I cut your gaze from afar, you would have had first catch.
00:49:36Perhaps.
00:49:48Thank you for what?
00:49:52Being approached by you has allowed me to feel again.
00:50:11Removing the inner shadow is in a very large pan.
00:50:15Now the outer shadow is in a very little bit.
00:50:15Even the eyes open the other side of the body.
00:50:16I that's how it's darker.
00:50:21To get the inner shadow like this, the inner shadow is in the car.
00:50:54So bad.
00:51:05So bad.
00:51:43Yeah?
00:51:46Ma'am, I'm from the federal government, here for the census.
00:51:52I know it. Name's Charity Bowden, household head of six.
00:51:58Is there a man of the house?
00:52:00He's done going.
00:52:03Very well. Would you mind if we go over and sit a spell?
00:52:09Have it your way.
00:52:20Do you have an occupation or a trade?
00:52:22Farmer.
00:52:26And the names of your six heads.
00:52:29Prop yourself up for this one.
00:52:32Rebecca, John, Timothy, Elizabeth, George, and William.
00:52:45You get all that?
00:52:48Yes, ma'am.
00:52:49Are you going to get off my property?
00:52:51Got mouths to feed?
00:52:53Yes, ma'am.
00:52:55Would you tell me your name and your vocation?
00:52:59Henry Savage. I'm a sailor.
00:53:02Name?
00:53:02Parker Daisy.
00:53:05Are you a waterman by trade?
00:53:07No, I'm a farmer.
00:53:09Where are you from and your name?
00:53:11I came down from Maryland. My name is Andrew Stubbs.
00:53:14And your occupation?
00:53:16Sailor.
00:53:17What's your name and your occupation?
00:53:20My name, John Thornton. I's a sailor.
00:53:32Another sailor, eh?
00:53:37Hey, here's oysters, uh, be food for the poor around here.
00:53:43Horses may be eaten by the poor around here.
00:53:45Where it's taken north, they're used as luxuries by the rich.
00:53:50Well, I'm a federal officer with the government.
00:53:53I'm here working on a census.
00:53:57Name's James Lon.
00:53:58You the only one here?
00:54:00Elizabeth.
00:54:03My wife.
00:54:05How do you do?
00:54:11My daughter Comfort.
00:54:14Wasn't this big this morning.
00:54:16Delaney's around here and son John's inside asleep.
00:54:22Anymore?
00:54:24Working on it.
00:54:31As the 19th century pressed on, the island welcomed its first boarding house, and in 1854, its very first post
00:54:40office.
00:54:43Years later, James Matthews carried a sack of mail from Horntown to Jinkatig, and brought with him news of war.
00:54:54The first shots fired echoing through the country.
00:54:58I'm sorry.
00:55:28By the time he reached middle age, James Lund found himself listed in the 1860 census as the head of
00:55:36seven names. His wife, Elizabeth, bore him six children, and the assistant marshal noted James as being 49 years old,
00:55:45his occupation simply listed as oystering.
00:55:51As the new decade arrived, the island seafood industry had swollen with success.
00:56:15Yet just as mysteriously as he had appeared earlier in the century, James Lund vanished from the official records on
00:56:23August 16, 1860.
00:56:31Thank you, James.
00:56:34Fred, oysters to the shucking house.
00:56:42You're not from here. Jim Ed Matthews, postmaster of these parts.
00:56:47I'm from Delaware.
00:56:51His name's John Calk, your new customs collector.
00:56:54Didn't know we had a collector to see to.
00:57:00You Yankees got designed to ruin our agriculture and our whole way of life.
00:57:05I assure you, Mr. Matthews, the offices up north that I've worked inside have no such design.
00:57:11Again, who'd you work for up north?
00:57:13Senator John Clayton. I was his personal secretary.
00:57:16Right. And now you just happen to be a customs collector down here, in this area.
00:57:34That fellow shouldering the fowling piece, that be John hauling the law around here.
00:57:41Constable. Haven't seen either of them walk about before.
00:57:46Neither one of them live on the island.
00:57:48And this be Richard Reynolds. And Randall Mason. And I'm Captain-
00:57:55Captain Ed Whaley. War of 1812 veteran. You're one I've heard of.
00:58:05At this time, bricks were being laid for a grand new lighthouse, set to stand 142 feet tall.
00:58:14But on April 24th, 1861, all work came to an abrupt halt when the state of Virginia, in a special
00:58:22convention, voted to secede from the Union.
00:58:25As war talk grew louder, figures evolved with varying opinions.
00:58:34The South cannot secede. Going with them brings our starvation.
00:58:41I fought for that old flag. And I'll be damned to hell if it falls before me.
00:58:47My mind is made up. The old flag stays.
00:58:56We are seeing signs that the Union is to be radicalized.
00:59:01And we're all going to be taking places we don't want to go.
00:59:04We are oyster men and coasting sailors. Not farmers like the mainlanders.
00:59:08We sell the oysters we raise in Philadelphia. It would be our starvation if we secede and cut ourselves off
00:59:15from that market.
00:59:16Don't you see?
00:59:17We have a little in common with Virginia. We have interest with the state through the sale of our ponies.
00:59:24We are Southern folk, Wilton.
00:59:27I'm a Southern man too. But Lock Fox says we have but little in common with Virginia.
00:59:32We're about to lose our property at face ruin.
00:59:40Fred, Ron, the goods we get from Philadelphia, we trade in our stores.
00:59:45You mean your store, Wilton.
00:59:47We cannot secede from the Union.
00:59:49It will bring conditions that not permit or allow our sales to Northern markets.
00:59:53We must get ourselves out under our own damn steam.
01:00:12This is my answer to whether we disunion.
01:00:33Where's Wilton?
01:00:34That Yankee flag no longer will fly under Virginia's sky. No, sir.
01:00:39Gentlemen, we don't want any trouble.
01:00:41That Yankee flag must come down or the terrors of war will burst over this island.
01:00:47We are Ostermen and sailors and have little to do with Virginia.
01:00:51I've heard that before.
01:00:53But your isolation over here does not make your own state.
01:00:57Gentlemen,
01:00:59Chickateague did not secede from the Union.
01:01:01Wilton, you take down that flag or we'll take it down for you.
01:01:04I hoisted that flag and it don't come down unless we go down with it.
01:01:08You want to die here?
01:01:11I'll turn you into a fireside story.
01:01:15You island folks seem to like those.
01:01:18Don't be sick with me, John Holland.
01:01:20Being Constable and on that tavern might make you big noise over in Hortown.
01:01:24But it's got little hook here.
01:01:26Easy, Wilton.
01:01:28Freckin' Constable Holland brought his pistol so to keep the peace.
01:01:32I don't need iron for the unionist thorns stuck in my flesh.
01:01:51I erected that flag and bell.
01:01:53As long as I have a drama powder and an ounce of lead and I'm able to use them, there
01:01:58that flag stays.
01:02:00Isn't much good if she ain't loaded.
01:02:04Nope, she still has much use.
01:02:06Enough from you all.
01:02:16You waterman!
01:02:17You haven't felt this thing of war yet, but you soon will.
01:02:27Is Holland known to be a violent man?
01:02:31You don't seem to type to forgive and forget.
01:02:34Not long after sailing out of Philadelphia with a bill of traded goods,
01:02:39a revenue cutter seized all their purchases, claiming them to be contraband of war.
01:02:49Since Virginia seceded, I cannot trade with northern markets.
01:02:57All my goods have been seized in Philadelphia.
01:03:20The vote before you is very simple.
01:03:23Do you reject the ordinance of secession or are you in favor of the ordinance of secession?
01:03:31One by one, cast your vote here.
01:03:35What talk means here is to vote yes to this union and leave with Virginia.
01:03:40Or vote no to stay, staying with the old flag.
01:03:46Your name, please, sir.
01:03:49Captain Edwin Whaley.
01:03:50No.
01:03:52Very well.
01:03:53Make your mark.
01:03:58Step forward, please.
01:04:00Richard Reynolds.
01:04:02No.
01:04:03Very well.
01:04:09Step forward, please, sir.
01:04:11Your name?
01:04:12Ben Scott.
01:04:13No.
01:04:13No.
01:04:14Very well.
01:04:22Don't be shy, sir.
01:04:23Please step up.
01:04:24Joseph Hill.
01:04:25Do you choose disunion?
01:04:28Very well.
01:04:33Don't be shy, sir.
01:04:34Please step forward.
01:04:35Thomas Birch.
01:04:36No.
01:04:37Very well.
01:04:38Make your mark.
01:04:44Your name?
01:04:46Parker Baden.
01:04:47No.
01:04:49Very well.
01:04:54Your name, sir?
01:04:55Bill Thornton.
01:04:56No.
01:04:57Please, make your mark here.
01:05:02And so it became increasingly clear the ordinance of secession handed down by the state of Virginia
01:05:08would not pass on this island.
01:05:11Here's the vote, John.
01:05:13Good luck to you.
01:05:16John Whelton took the vote to Philadelphia, meeting with Mayor Henry.
01:05:21There, he made a bold statement.
01:05:23The 110-foot flagpole flying above Jinkatig would never hoist any flag but the stars and stripes.
01:05:31Showing the mayor the official vote, Whelton received a rare concession, non-binding permission
01:05:37to reclaim his confiscated goods and bring back more materials.
01:05:42But just once.
01:05:50Well, he's got the goods back.
01:05:53Just met with the mayor.
01:06:06And so the pro-southerners were increasingly cavalier in the Jinkatig Bay.
01:06:11As they commenced gunrunning and stockpiling arms.
01:06:37John Kulk was sure to report all the gunrunning on the bay to enable authorities.
01:06:47Randall Mason, too, recorded his own report about Kulk's activities.
01:06:51Oh, my God.
01:07:20Ok, thanks for watching.
01:07:39Whoa! Whoa, we got no quarrel with you. We just want cough. Just let us have a...
01:07:43Enough, all of you! There will be no bloodshed before us on a Sunday!
01:08:17We're well now, aren't you a fine monster?
01:08:19Get down!
01:08:21Get down! Get down!
01:08:24Get down!
01:08:25Look!
01:08:25Look!
01:08:26Look!
01:08:27Look!
01:08:28Look!
01:08:30Look!
01:08:38Look!
01:08:58It's not lost on me a dozen authors rate my demise.
01:09:01Giving up your post?
01:09:06Time to move the matchstick away from the flame and flee northward.
01:09:13I'll stop in Snow Hill a short time and pen a letter to authorities.
01:09:17Be sure to report to loyal men here.
01:09:20They're going to be dependent on them.
01:09:25Much gratitude, Wielton.
01:09:29My mind has been changed.
01:09:31Not all new folk that come here are to be disliked.
01:09:39John, you keep old Glory flying.
01:10:06John, you keep old.
01:10:07I'll be back on you a little bit.
01:10:11I'll be back on you a little bit.
01:10:11I'll be back on you a little bit.
01:10:19Hey, get power over there, hurry!
01:10:52Why them damn lackeys?
01:11:02It's the Bonnie Boo.
01:11:04The Bonnie who?
01:11:05It's a Confederate boner.
01:11:07They coming this way?
01:11:08They're not attacking.
01:11:10Not now.
01:11:11They're fixing that schooner for a five.
01:11:16To HS Stellwagen, Commander, U.S. Navy.
01:11:20Sir, I have been driven from the eastern shore of Virginia by threats, violence, and attempts at assassination against me
01:11:30by secessionists.
01:11:32They are arming and drilling, and boast that from their knowledge of the country, they can bid defiance to an
01:11:38army of 5,000 men.
01:11:40My list of disaffected persons.
01:11:43My list of disaffected persons.
01:11:58The Fletcher family.
01:11:59The Fletcher, now constable and ringleader in putting out the Jinketig light.
01:12:04Holland is very violent.
01:12:08Holland is very violent.
01:12:08He was assisted by ex-postmaster Jim Matthews and Dr. Parker.
01:12:14On Jinketig.
01:12:16On Jinketig, Randall Mason is a bad man and is very active in giving information to secessionists.
01:12:23Fred Lewis, on Jinketig, is also very violent.
01:12:29These men should be made examples of.
01:12:33A gunboat in Jinketig Inlet would prevent smuggling, prevent violent incursions into that island in Assateague, and secure the lighting
01:12:44of the lighthouse.
01:12:45The light is of great importance, and the shoal is very dangerous.
01:12:50Please, put this in the way of being acted on speedily.
01:12:54Very respectfully, your obedient servant, John Calk.
01:12:59We kill him.
01:13:01My 39th agenda is ready, and we'll shoot him to bits.
01:13:06Left!
01:13:07Speed!
01:13:09Forward!
01:13:10March!
01:13:27Gunboat's on its way!
01:13:36You're the Virginia Island Unionist?
01:13:38We are.
01:13:40Which among you knows these Inlet Shoals can guide the gunboat in?
01:13:44It's a good start.
01:13:52John Wilton.
01:13:54Mr. Wilton, I've heard about you.
01:13:56I'm Lieutenant Murray.
01:13:58Pleasure to have you here.
01:14:14Cheers.
01:14:20Right, Whiskey?
01:14:23Should my sailors and I be worried about anything on this island?
01:14:26Well, you folks have malaria.
01:14:30I'll have my surgeon see to them.
01:14:32How about southern sympathizers?
01:14:37Well, generally speaking, Mr. Wilton, I know you're positioned on the island, but-
01:14:40You have no one to worry about here on the island, Lieutenant Murray.
01:14:44But maybe two.
01:14:50Come on back!
01:14:53You know who that man was that took a shot at my sailors?
01:14:57That'd be James Parker on Wishart Point.
01:14:59One of many you should be mindful of, before detailing your men over yonder.
01:15:03A belligerent mission?
01:15:05That was not.
01:15:05Come on back, bud!
01:15:07Simple orders to go over and get poultry and eggs.
01:15:10Well, it appears they're all out of poultry and eggs.
01:15:15That I will not tolerate, my men being fired at.
01:15:22This morning at nine o'clock, we had a sharp conflict with the enemy.
01:15:27Master Furnace, a word.
01:15:31Those southern agitators firing those shots yesterday, that just digs in my craw.
01:15:35Sir?
01:15:37I'm dispatching you with two boats to go over there and take that schooner.
01:15:43You'd be outfitted right now into a privateer.
01:15:45In-house cannon.
01:15:47It'll be a small task.
01:15:49Just a few southern sympathizers over there.
01:15:52Gather small arms below deck.
01:15:55And orders once we board the ship?
01:15:57Take.
01:15:58Or destroyer.
01:16:00I'll take the steamer in as far as the draft will allow.
01:16:04Yes, sir.
01:16:07Put those boats, boys!
01:16:09Sailors, look at those gangplanes!
01:16:11There's no doubt be needed.
01:16:13How many sailors you count?
01:16:14Sir, we have 23 men.
01:16:15Good.
01:16:1623 is fine.
01:16:18Men!
01:16:19Support will come from the steamer.
01:16:21I'll take her in as far as the draft will allow.
01:16:26Let's make quick work of it.
01:16:36Fortunately, I'd gone in with the steamer at the same time, it being high tide.
01:16:41I was unable to cover the return of the party.
01:16:44Take them arms, Ben!
01:16:46You're about to get Lazy out of here!
01:16:53I've been waiting to put you in the ground!
01:16:56Don't wait for me!
01:16:58Make ready to fire at will!
01:17:09Make ready to fire at will!
01:17:13Don't break your fire on the private air!
01:17:15Come on, guys!
01:17:30All told, a 300-strong attempted to cut off two boats from this vessel and 23 men.
01:17:38Get out of here!
01:17:39Catch me another rifle!
01:17:40Catch me another rifle!
01:17:41Catch me another rifle!
01:17:43One more line, right here!
01:17:48Get out of the ship!
01:17:49Get the gangplanes!
01:18:04Reload!
01:18:05Hold the line!
01:18:16Get over, lads! Get over!
01:18:24The boats, after passing through a terrible fire, finally reached the schooner.
01:18:34Keep the ground! She's stuck in the mud!
01:18:36Finding her ground made her breastworked over and opened a deadly fire.
01:18:41Find what you can and put her breastwork on the deck!
01:18:54Don't do it!
01:18:55Red line!
01:18:56Get over, lads!
01:18:58We get over!
01:19:07Get back to the current helm!
01:19:24with the assistance of a few shots from our long-range gun drove the enemy back to a distant
01:19:30cover with loss and the boats after firing the schooner returned without further molestation
01:19:45acting master furnace estimates the loss of the rebels of at least eight and killed and wounded
01:19:51as he saw that number carried off our loss is one seriously wounded acting master hooker and three
01:19:58very slightly i have nothing but praises to bestow on those engaged in the boats for their coolness
01:20:04and intrepidity when the sale by such overwhelming odds they were yet some 300 yards from the schooner
01:20:12when fired upon but they preferred pushing on and returning through it rather than fail
01:20:17in accomplishing their objective i have the honor to be very respectfully your obedient servant
01:20:25amory lieutenant commanding the vital right to trade oysters still eluded the watermen as no license to
01:20:35operate a boat catch oysters and ship north could be granted an oath of allegiance to the union was
01:20:43as necessary raise your right hand repeat after me we do solemnly swear or affirm that we will bear true
01:20:57allegiance that we will bear true allegiance to the united states of america to the united states of america
01:21:04and we will obey the laws and we will obey the laws and support the constitution and support the constitution
01:21:11so help us god so help us god
01:21:19included on that list was randall mason whether he was swayed by wheelton or driven by the economic pressures of
01:21:27the oyster trade
01:21:28remains uncertain by year's end the gunboat left the inlet its services needed elsewhere
01:21:37for the loyal islanders the conflict raged on throughout the war yet despite their trials
01:21:44no greater clash ever followed that fateful encounter with the virginia militia
01:21:53john kulk eventually returned to jinkatig and by 1866 had built a home on main street which doubled as the
01:22:02customs house
01:22:02for the ever-growing seafood industry
01:22:17jinkatig continued to swell with new and familiar faces
01:22:21jim ed matthews the foremost southerner moved his family to the island
01:22:26and with this genial personality jim ed was readily accepted by his new neighbors
01:22:33including john wheelton
01:22:43sometimes as i hear the waves pounding upon the shore of the island
01:22:47i think perhaps the sea will someday claim jinkatig as its own
01:22:53but when the sky is fair and the sun shimmers upon the glassy water and
01:22:58the soft haze of a summer's day hangs upon the green marsh and forests
01:23:03i think of the ocean as the island's lover
01:23:06and this i know full well in days to come when i am far from the little island
01:23:12i'm going to wish mightily hard that i was back on the porch
01:23:16talking of ships and storms and wrecks and spinning yarns of the sea
01:23:22the wonderful terrible beautiful sea that gives life and death
01:23:27impartially to the people of fair jinkatig
01:23:37the reward for their alliance with the union was the quick completion of the lighthouse
01:23:42and on the evening of october 1st 1867 a bright beam pierced the night's blackness
01:23:49and was visible for 19 miles out to sea
01:23:53and that light still shines upon jinkatig
01:23:57to this day
01:24:03so
01:24:12so
01:24:14so
01:24:43For more information visit www.fema.org
01:25:13For more information visit www.fema.org
01:25:43For more information visit www.fema.org
01:26:13For more information visit www.fema.org
01:26:43For more information visit www.fema.org
01:27:13For more information visit www.fema.org
01:27:43For more information visit www.fema.org
01:28:13www.fema.org
01:28:14www.fema.org
01:28:28www.fema.org
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