Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1881-08-17
The Yorktown Centennial.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF THE ARRANGEMENTS
FOR THE COMING CELEBRATION.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF THE ARRANGEMENTS
For THE COMING CELEBRATION.
The following circular was given to the press
yesterday by the Yorktown centennial commits
sion:
In response to the general inquiry for informa-
tion regarding the arrangements for the coming
celebration at Yorktown Virginia, in October
next, the following is published for the informa-
tiOn and guidance of oil concerned:
Tuesday. October 18th, Wednesday, 10Th.
Thursday, Goth, and Friday 2lst 1881 have been
fixed upon as the days Of celebrations a program
OF the ceremonies for each day of which will be
published in due time. Present advces promise
a military representation from nearly every
state i'm the UniOn-many states sending full
regments-tOQether with the governors of
most of the states. accompanied by their staffS
and distinguished citizens in large numbers
For the reception and proper comfort of the lat
ter. building is to be erected. the arrangement
OF which Will be later announced if deemed ne
cessary. 1t being desirable that all the military
organizations should be comfortably established
before the ceremonies begin, so that. far as
possible. confusion may be avoided during the
ceremonies, it is urgently requested that all or
SanlZatiOnS intending to participate arrange to
be on the ground not later than Saturday. the
18th October. and notify this office of their in
tentlOn to he present before the 10th September
next. To those who report later than the last
mentioned date no guarantee of a comfortable
camping place can be made.
THE ENCAMPMENr.
The commission propose to establish mill
tary camp on the south bank of the York river,
near the town of Yorktown, and as nearly as
practicable on the ground occupied by the allied
troops during the siege of 1881. The camp will
be under the command of Majer General Win
field s. Hancock, U. S. A, and will be
by the rules and regulations Of the
army. While it is the intention of the COM
missiOntO furnish tents to shelter the whole
command, it is questionable whether the limited
amount OF canvas placed at its disposal by the
government will meet the demand, owing to
the large numbers expected to participate In the
celebration. Organizations. therefore, having
tents at their disposal, within their requisi-
ton. are recommended to bring them with
them. Early advice should be given this office
upon this point, in order that those unprovided
with shelter may be promptly supplied upon
their arrival.
Water for drinking and cooking will be pro-
vided in reasonable quantities and at as con-
venient points as possible. Fuel to sufficient
amount for cooking purposes will be provided
by the commission. The troops from each state
will, as far as practicable, be located together.
A post Office will be located on the grounds
also telegraph Office, with connection to all
points. The camp will be lighted by night with
make the encampmcnt as complete and enjoy
able as the means and facilities at the command
OF the commission will permit.
SUBSISTENCE.
The commission finds it wholly impracticabie
to provide or arrange for the subsistence of the
organizations visiting Yorktown. The soldiers
of the regular army will be provided with the
regular ration, and it is recommended that
militia organizations, so fan as may be possible,
come prepared to establish company messes on
the ground. In such event, the more important
elements OF the ration, such as bread salt meats,
should be brought with them, also cooking
utensils and dishes The situation of
Yorktown, in the near vicinity of the finest
fshing grounds, oyster BEDS and market
gardens in the country, affords peculiar facilities
for the abundant supply of edibes of the largest
and choicest variety at the most reasonable
rates. AT the same time no objection exists to
the employment of caterers or to special az
rangements being made with any of the restau-
rants or hotels on the grounds to furnish meals
TO companies or regiments, providing the meal
hours conform to the regulations of the camp.
Caterers who will send their addresses. and the
extent of their ability to furnish meals to this
Office. will be placed in communication with Or
CARNATIONS desiring to obtain subsistence in this
manner.
HOW TO REACH YORKTOWN.
Yorktown is situated on the south bank of the
York river York county, Virginia,) about
twelve miles from its mouth about the same
distance from Williamsburg. and twenty-four
from Fortress Monroe. There is at present no
ra,l to or near that point. and the probability Of
tne chesapeake and Ohio road. which expects to
reach Newport News before October. accomp-
ishlng It's project, or, as is further rumored lay-
ing branch track to Yorktown to accommodate
the occasion, is too remote for calculation
IN problem that demands certainty as it's most
important factor. Should this project be accom-
pished within reasonable date the fact will be an
nOunced from this office in time to enable oreani-
cations to avail themselves of it. The nearest
railroad centers are Richmond, Va, Washing
ton, DC, Baltimore, Md, and Norfolk. Va
and from each of these points water transporta
ton to Yorktown can be procured if arranged
for in proper time. Any specific information
desired as to routes will be cheerfully furnished
Quartermasters of organizations. by placing them
put in possession of any information regarding
railroad and steamboat rates, &C., that may be
within its knowledge.
REPORTING
There is ample room for the anchorage of yes-
sells OF the greatest depth in front of Yorktown.
and wharves of sufficient capacity for the land
ing OF troops will be provided. All vessels with
troops on board, should upon arrival within
the harbOr, report their arrival at once to the
harbor master, who will indicate the place
and time of landing. The commanding officer
should, after landing, accompanied by his adju-
tant and quartermaster, report at once to the
general commanding the camp, and until ne has
man should be allowed to leave the vessel.
Having been assigned it's position in the camp.
the command will be governed from such mo-
ment by the rules and orders laid down by the
commanding general for the order and discipline
of the camp.
The wharves will have depth of twelve feet
at mean low water at their fronts. with an
average rise Of tide of three or four feet, but the
keels of transports will probably find fourteen
to seventeen feet under them, so rapidly does
the water deepen. The wharf accommodation
will of necessity be somewhat limited in extent.
and no vessel can be allowed to remain at a
wharf longer than the time necessary for the
landing of personnel and material. The dis
advantage of pOstpOning an arrival until the
morning of the first day Of the ceremonies is
obvious
1t cannot be too strongly urged upon the ad-
jutants general of states and the commanding
officers of troops intending to partpate in the
ceremonies, the eminent prOpriety Of giving no
tice of all arrangements and changes attending
their preparations, and of calling for any infOrma-
ton concerning the celebration that may in any
manner aid i'm rendering the occasion worthy the
great event it is designed to commemorate.
Clinging for Life.
LITTLE CHILD's GRIP UPON THE CoUPL1NG-PIN