THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, February 9, 1995 TAG: 9502090441
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
DATELINE: ELIZABETH CITY LENGTH: Short : 24 lines
A courageous Episcopalian minister who faced down Union Army troops when they captured Elizabeth City in February of 1862 will be honored Friday in a ceremony on the Elizabeth City waterfront.
A marker commemorating the gallantry of the Rev. Edward M. Forbes, who was rector of Christ Episcopal Church during the Civil War, will be dedicated at noon near Mariner's Wharf. Elizabeth City Mayor H. Rick Gardner proclaimed Feb. 10 as ``The Rev. Edward M. Forbes Day'' as part of the observance.
When Union forces sailed up the Pasquotank River and captured the city in 1862, many townsfolk fled after setting fire to local property. Rev. Forbes remained behind and met with the Union commander to negotiate terms of surrender. As a result Union soldiers helped to put out the fires and much of the city was saved. by CNB