large quantity of timber was manufactured, and
Washington found it necessary to find some outlet for it, which could
only be done by a canal or ditch. A suitable place was soon found, and
Washington commenced in person to survey the route known as the
Washington Ditch. He commenced at the northwest of the Lake, on lands
known as "Soldiers' Hope," belonging to the estate of Col. Josiah
Riddick, deceased, and running west to what is called the "Reese
Farm," on the Edenton road, about seven miles from Suffolk. A large
quantity of juniper timber was brought through this ditch, which was
hauled to the Nansemond river for shipment. We were told by one of the
agents of the company, W. S. Riddick, Esq., that at one time all the
business of the company was transacted at the "Reese Farm," that being
the point at which the Ditch ended. This mode of getting the lumber to
market was found too slow and tedious, and a more direct way sought.
How long the Washington Ditch was used for bringing out the timber, we
have never heard. That will make no difference, for after the Jericho
Canal was cut the Ditch was abandoned, and a direct communication
opened to Nansemond river by the way of Shingle creek. Millions of
feet of timber was shipped annually. The shareholders at that time
were few in number, and their profits were very large. The company
consisted of a president, agent and inspector, he living at or near
Suffolk, and had charge of the work in the Swamp. He employed the
hands, furnished all the supplies, sold the lumber, received all
monies, and paid all bills. He was, in fact, the principal officer of
the company. At a stated period, annually, a meeting would be held for
a general settlement of the year's accounts. The president would
preside, and as there were no banks at that time in which to deposit
money, the agent would have a very large amount to turn over to the
stockholders. That place is no longer of much value to its owners, as
it is a source of but little revenue. The shares have been divided
and sub-divided, until some of its holders get barely enough to pay
the postage on a letter. Ex-Senator Wm. Mahone is probably the largest
shareholder. The Swamp has been leased to Jno. L. Roper, Esq., of
Norfolk, for several years, during which he has had employed a large
number of hands, consequently most of the valuable timber has been cut
off. When this Swamp was first opened, it became a harbor and safe
refuge for runaway slav