School Fete- 1916

NEW KENT COUNTY HOLDS SCHOOL FAIR

[Special to The Times-dispatch]

TOANO VA., April 15. The New Kent annual school fair was held at the court house with a large crowd of interested patrons and children in attendance. The event was a success. The entire morning  was devoted to athletics under the direction of Wallace Woodard. The following schools took part in the fair and competed for ribbons: Tunstalls. Misses Baker and Taylor, teachers: Quinton. Misses Huffman and Williams, teachers; Good Hope, Misses Muir and Olive, teachers; Liberty, Misses Minor and Messick, teachers: Barhamsville. Misses Hazelwood and Carlton; Pine Fork. Miss Virginia Percifull, teacher; Walls. Miss Mamie Oliver, teacher: Oak. Miss Virgilia Warburton. teacher: Windsor Shades, Miss Bessie Brown, teacher: Providence Forge, Miss Adele Richardson. teacher: New Kent. Miss Mary Tench, teacher: White House. Miss Fedora Haxall, teacher: During the afternoon honors were announced, and a few remarks made by Superintendent A.C. Cooper and an address delivered by Mr. Farrar, field agent for the farm demonstration work. Much Interest was shown by the teachers and pupils, and some very excellent work was on exhibition. The Windsor Shades School won first honors for highest average attendance, with the Walls School a close second. The Providence Forge School won first honors in the excellence contest for one-teacher schools. The Liberty School and the Barhamsville School tied for the same honors for the two-teacher schools.

-Richmond Times-Dispatch- April 16, 1916

More naval affairs- May 1864

Report of Lieutenant. Commander Babcock, U. S. Navy, of cooperation with the army in the occupation of West Point, Va., April 30-May 1, 1864.

                    U. S. S. MORSE,
            Off West Point, Mattapony River, May 2, 1864.

SIR: I respectfully report that, having telegraphed to you on the evening of the 29th ultimo that some troops were about to proceed from Yorktown to West Point, and that Major.General Smith requested the aid of the gunboats to cover his landing and protect them while at this point, when, on the morning of the 30th, I received your communication by the Shawsheen, I was ready then to proceed up the river. For some reason unknown to me the transports were not ready to leave Gloucester Point until late in the afternoon of the 30th. At 4 a. m. on the morning of the 1st instant got underway, followed by four transports, carrying some 2,500 troops. The Shawsheen during the night having been obliged to haul her fires for slight repairs to her boiler, I left her at Yorktown with orders to follow as soon as possible. After being underway the General Putnam arrived from Hampton Roads; communicated with her, ordering her to bring up the rear. Arrived at West Point at 9 a. m. and came to anchor off the wharf, covering the landing of the troops who were disembarking from the transports. The troops at once marched out some 2 miles and took possession of the intrenchments which were thrown up by General Gordon some twelve months since. I then stationed the General Putnam and Shawsheen in different positions in the Pamunkey River for covering our troops and resisting any attack which might be made by the enemy. Proceeded with this vessel into the Mattapony River, taking a station where my guns would sweep the whole plain before the intrenchments. While lying in the Pamunkey River picked up three refugees from Richmond in a canoe; turned them over to Colonel Henry, commanding army forces at this place.

Not needing further the services of the Shawsheen, ordered her to proceed to Hampton Roads and report to you. I send by her a torpedo which had drifted down the river, and was picked up on the beach at Yorktown by Patrick McCall (seaman), one of my gigs crew, on the 29th ultimo.

              I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHAS. A. BABCOCK,

    Lieutenant-Commander and Senior Officer Present.

Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

    Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

-Official records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion. ; Series I - Volume 9: North Atlantic Blockading Squadron (May 5, 1863 - May 5, 1864)

Expected at West Point- May 1864

Guy Vernor Henry

             HEADQUARTERS U. S. TROOPS AT YORKTOWN
                   AND GLOUCESTER POINT,
                        Yorktown, Va., May 1, 1864.

Colonel SHAFFER,

    Chief of Staff, Fort Monroe:

The following is from Col. G. V. Henry, commanding brigade, Tenth Corps, at West Point, this morning:

My command landed at 10 a. m. to-day. The inhabitants say we have been expected for two or three weeks. The impression is that 40,000 or 50,000 are to march toward White House. Am building a good dock with material I have brought, and desire to keep up this impression. If not contrary to your views, would like to keep up the impression.

                    G.V. HENRY,
                Colonel Fortieth Massachusetts Volunteers.

I have sent word to Colonel Henry that as soon as he feels his position secure he can make the reconnaissance, but not to go too far.

                    WM. F. SMITH,
                        Major-General.







          HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., SECOND DIV., 10TH ARMY CORPS,
                             West Point, Va., May 2, 1864.

Lieutenant Colonel FLOYD,

    Commanding Third New York Volunteers:

COLONEL: The colonel commanding directs that you will march your command to the front 8 or 10 miles upon the main road, collecting all the information of the enemy possible. You will go in light marching order with one days rations in haversacks, and use the utmost caution, scouring the country thoroughly. In case of an attack you will send immediately to these headquarters, reporting as near as possible the force in your front, and fall back slowly until you join the main body of troops. You will return to camp to-night, and upon your arrival report in person to the colonel commanding.

    Very respectfully, yours,

                    F.W. WEAVER,
                 Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.




A couple of digressions . . .

Col. G.V. Henry from the Arlington National Cemetery website . . .

Born at Fort Smith, Indian Territory (now Arkansas), March 9, 1839, he graduated from West Point on May 5, 1861 and served throughout the Civil War and Indian Wars as Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel and Brigadier General in the Regular Army.

He received successive brevets for gallantry in various battles and was breveted Brigadier General, U.S. Army, for gallantry at Rose Bud, Montana, where he was shot through the face while fighting Indians. He was awarded the Medal of Honor on December 5, 1893 for his Civil War Service at the battle of Cold Harbor on June 1, 1864 where he was serving as Colonel, 40th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.

He was later Colonel of the all-black 10th U.S. Cavalry and was commanding Fort Assinniboine during the Spanish-American War in 1898. He served as military governor of Puerto Rico following that war.

He died at his home in New York City on October 27, 1899 and was buried in Section 2 of Arlington National Cemetery.

. . . and his Medal of Honor citation for actions some thirty days after landing at West Point. . .

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Colonel Guy Vernor Henry, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 1 June 1864, while serving with 40th Massachusetts Infantry, in action at Cold Harbor, Virginia. Colonel Henry led the assaults of his brigade upon the enemy's works, where he had two horses shot under him.

General Orders: Date of Issue: December 5, 1893

. . . while this Medal of Honor was awarded to a drummer of the 40th Massachusetts, William Lord, just two weeks before that . . .

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Musician William Lord, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 16 May 1864, while serving with Company C, 40th Massachusetts Infantry, in action at Drewry's Bluff, Virginia. Musician Lord went to the assistance of a wounded officer lying helpless between the lines, and under fire from both sides removed him to a place of safety.

General Orders: Date of Issue: April 4, 1898

 . . . the officer he rescued? Lt.Col. Eldridge G. Floyd, commanding the Third New York

Naval Moves- Spring 1864

      

The York River 1862,  from the Rumsey Map collection

                                                       [Telegram.]

                                                               YORKTOWN, April 29, 1864.

Major-General Smith informs me he intends sending troops to West Point, [Va.], time not specified. He wishes me to telegraph and ask you for two gunboats to protect them while there.

 Very respectfully,

CHAS. A. BABCOCK,

   Lieutenant- Commander and Senior Officer Present.

Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

   Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

                                                             [Telegram.]

                                                             YORKTOWN, April 29, 1864.

The troops go to West Point tomorrow. General Smith informs me that the movement is merely temporary. He is anxious for gunboats. I have informed him I would render him all assistance in my power until I could hear from you.

Very respectfully,

CHAS. A. BABCOCK,

    Lieutenant-Commander and Senior Officer Present.

Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

    Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

-Official records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion. ; Series I - Volume 9: North Atlantic Blockading Squadron (May 5, 1863 - May 5, 1864)

"Do you think that particular move will fool any one?"- April 1864

                                               YORKTOWN, April 29, 1864.

Col. J.W. SHAFFER,

Chief of Staff:

I understood the general that the troops to go to West Point were those that were to land last. If that is the case you must give me more information than I possess before I can make the detail. Is the work to be begun now, or only when the order to move comes? The quartermaster must furnish transportation and lumber. Do you think that particular move will fool any one?

                                                              W. F. SMITH,

                                                            Major- General.

   
     
 
                              FORTRESS MONROE, April 29, 1864.

General SMITH,

    Yorktown:

I have telegraphed Terry to have a brigade in readiness to move to-morrow morning with ten days rations and 60 rounds of ammunition. You will issue such orders as are necessary to effect the object desired at West Point. Transportation is ordered up for the purpose. They had better leave to-morrow by noon.

                                                                    J.W. SHAFFER,
                                                      Colonel and Chief of Staff.

           



  
         HDQRS. U. S. TROOPS AT YORKTOWN AND GLOUCESTER PT.,
                                                                               Yorktown, Va., April 29 , 1864.

Brig. Gen. A. H. TERRY,

Comdg. Tenth Army Corps, Gloucester Point, Va.:

GENERAL: I am instructed by the major-general commanding to direct you to be in readiness to send a brigade to West Point to-morrow, the 30th instant. The major-general also directs that if you have an engineer company they must also be ready to move with the brigade to repair the landing at that place. You will have the command furnished with eight days rations. The quartermasters department will furnish the necessary transportation.

I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

                                                       CAMPBELL TUCKER,
                                        First Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp,





    

          HDQRS. U. S. TROOPS AT YORKTOWN AND GLOUCESTER PT.,
                                                                                Yorktown, Va., April 29, 1864.

Brig. Gen. A. H. TERRY,

Comdg. Tenth Army Corps, Gloucester Point, Va.:

GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that the brigade ordered to be in readiness to move to-morrow shall be furnished with ten days rations instead of eight, as before directed. The major-general also directs that 200 or 300 intrenching tools be sent with the brigade. Further instructions will be sent you to-morrow.

I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

                                                             CAMPBELL TUCKER,
                                              First Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp. 




-The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. ; Series 1 - Volume 33

A passing word on Colonel John Wilson Shaffer . . .

While at New Orleans, Col. J. W. Shaffer, a personal friend of Mr. Lincoln, was detailed to me as chief quartermaster, in which capacity he served upon my staff. He also went with me to the Army of the James, and was there promoted to be chief of my staff. He served as such until he went home in the summer of 1864 suffering with a disease which afterwards caused his death, having been appointed governor of Utah Territory. His services, although not of a character that makes men so distinguished in a campaign as to find a place in history, were of the greatest value in whatever position he found himself.

- Butler's Book: Autobiography and Personal Reminiscences of Major-General Benjamin Butler
Benjamnin F. Butler

"Although of no great importance, I communicate the above to you . . ."

                          HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION,
                                            Camp Whitaker, April 30, l864.

 Maj. Gen. WILLIAM F. SMITH,

                 Commanding, & c.:

GENERAL: From various sources I get the following information, which is not much, but so far as it goes I think it can be relied on:

First. The enemy have undoubtedly a considerable force at White Oak Swamp, which is in supporting distance of the fords, extending from Forge Bridge to the railroad bridge. Refugees and negroes estimate this Central force at about 15,000 men, with some artillery. I have seen "passes" signed by three different colonels about the same date, dated at "Camp at White Oak Swamp, Va." Of course the number is exaggerated.

Second. The Fifty-third Virginia Infantry is near Bromleys, guarding a fishery, which is worked by detailed men from Richmond for the Government. I hear of no artillery there, but they have a cavalry picket pushed down to Barhamsville.

Third. The Fifty-seventh Virginia Infantry, with Holcombes Legion (cavalry) and the Richmond battalion, is at the Bottoms Bridge, where they are repairing their earth-works, and have certainly nine, some positively assert twenty, pieces of artillery.

Fourth. There is some infantry at the railroad bridge, and a siege gun mounted on a platform car running on the railroad.

Fifth. There are various conflicting stories of several brigades being between Bottoms Bridge and Richmond, but they probably relate to the large camp at White Oak Swamp.

Sixth. A small party with surveyors' instruments was examining Forge Bridge four days since, which must have been with a view to constructing defensive works, since they could not wish to bridge the stream at a point which is nearly constantly fordable. Nothing of this indicate an offensive design in this direction. Still, as one days march might bring all these troops to this point, it must be deemed threatened a little until relieved by movements elsewhere.

Although of no great importance, I communicate the above to you as all the positive information I have been able to collect.

    Very respectfully,

                                            I.J. WISTAR,
                                    Brigadier-General.





                                                       [Indorsement.]

              HDQRS. U. S. FORCES, YORKTOWN AND GLOUCESTER POINT,
                                                                                 May 1, 1864.

Respectfully forwarded for the information of the major-general commanding department.

I do not know where Bromley's* is, but should think damage might [be] inflicted by destroying fisheries there.

                                            WM. F. SMITH,
                                    Major-General, Commanding

       

   

                    HDQRS. U. S. TROOPS, YORKTOWN AND GLOUCESTER POINT,
                                                          Yorktown, Va., April 30, 1864.

General A.H. TERRY:

GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you cause one brigade to be ready to move at once, provided with two days rations, to effect a landing at West Point, Va. They should carry such intrenching tools as may be necessary to construct rifle-pits if needed, and such other tools as will be wanted to rebuild the wharves there. Lumber sufficient to rebuild the wharves will be sent up soon. Captain Babcock, of the Navy, will send two gun-boats to convoy the fleet and cover the landing, and keep whatever gun-boats he can spare afterward to protect the flanks of the forces while in position. It is desired that the commanding officer of the brigade send out scouting parties for the purpose of obtaining information of the movements of the enemy, which will be sent to these headquarters if important. Due notice will be sent, you when the transports leave Fort Monroe, so that the brigade may be in readiness to go on board.

Should the transportation be sufficient, a battery without caissons will accompany the command.

I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

                                                            W. F. SMITH,
                                      Major-General, Commanding.


- The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. ; Series 1-  Volume 33

"Bromley's" on the Pamunkey

 *George T. Brumley's estate The Castle, 600 acres on the Pamunkey between the estates of Braxton Garlick and William Macon.

"Private advices"- April, 1864

War news.

We present our readers this morning with very little news of this character. We had yesterday morning a report of another raid on the Peninsula, which, however, dwindled considerably as the day wore away, and finally exploded on the arrival of the York River cars.

-The Daily Dispatch: April 27, 1864.

Reported advance of the enemy on the Peninsula.

Yesterday evening, just before the York River cars left Bromley's farm, below Tunstall's Station, a courier arrived, who reported the enemy within two miles of that place. When the train left, at half-past 2 P. M., the long roll was beating. They came into Barhamsville, in New Kent, early yesterday morning. We have private advices to the effect that the country last Saturday in the vicinity of Gloucester Point was dotted over with their tents, and feel satisfied that the advancing force came from that direction. From all that can be learned, there has been great activity both at Yorktown and Gloucester. The negro troops who were sent from Suffolk were debarked at Yorktown, and probably compose a portion of the advancing force of the enemy.

P. S.--Official information received since the above was in type is to the effect that our pickets were driven in near New Kent Court-House yesterday morning, and that the enemy appeared to be only in small force.

-The Daily Dispatch: April 29, 1864.

The news of the day.

From the Army of Northern Virginia we have intelligence that "all is quiet." If the present good weather continues the clash of arms will soon resound again over our once peaceful hills. The great struggle cannot be much longer deferred.

It was extensively rumored during the day yesterday that the enemy were landing near Westover or Harrison's Landing, on James river; but up to the hour of going to press we had no confirmation of the rumor.

The reported advance on the Peninsula turns out to have been a small affair. The party only numbered about 150, who came within two and a half miles of Tunstall's Station, on the York River Railroad. They also visited Cumberland, a point on the Pamunkey river, between the White House and West Point. We learn of no damage done by them while on this expedition.

-The Daily Dispatch: April 30, 1864.