Existing comment:
Selina Gray:
Selina Gray, the daughter of Leonard and Sallie Norris, was a second-generation Arlington slave. For a number of years, Selina was the personal maid of Mrs. Robert E. Lee. By 1861, Selina had become the head housekeeper at Arlington. When Mrs. Lee abandoned her home in mid-May 1861, she left the household keys, symbolizing authority, responsibility, and her trust in Selina Gray. Locked away inside Arlington were many of the "Washington treasures." These pieces were cherished family heirlooms that had once belonged to Mrs. Lee's great-grandmother, Martha Custis Washington and President George Washington.
The U.S. Army assumed control of Arlington on May 24, 1861. Later, U.S. Army officers occupied the house and looting began. When Selina discovered some of the treasures had been stolen, she confronted the soldiers and ordered them "never to touch any of Miss Mary's things." Selina alerted General Irvin McDowell, commander of the Union troops, to the importance of the Washington heirlooms. The remaining pieces were sent to the Patent Office for safekeeping. Through Selina's efforts, many of the Washington pieces were saved for posterity.
The Grays received their freedom in 1862 as specified in the 1857 will of George Washington Parke Custis, Mrs. Lee's father. Eventually, the Gray family left Arlington to live in nearby "Green Valley." Gray descendants still live in Arlington County, Virginia. |