Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1881-09-03
The Yorktown Centennial.
PREPARATIONS IN PROGRESS on THE GROUNDS
THE FOUNDATION FOR THE MONUMENT

PREPARATIONS IN PROGRESS on THE GROUNDS
THE FOUNDATION FOR THE MONUMENT.
Col. VIM. p. Craghill, U. S. engineers. de-
tailed by the Secretary of War to superintend
the construction and erection of the monu-
ment at Yorktown, arrived in Baltimore yester-
day from Yorktown. He reports that the
foundation for the base of the monument has
been dug and filled i'm with granite concrete
The cornerstone of granite, taken from the
Richmond quarries-the same from which the
State War and Navy department buildings at
Washington has been constructed-is on the
ground, ready to be lowered i'm position for Ma
sonic ceremonies. The encampment for United
States troops and military and Masonic societies
will be on the Temple farm, about a mile and a.
hall distant from the monument site. 1t is an
open field nearly level. but with sufficient un-
dulatiOn for proper drainage, and well adapted
to any encampment. In position the regulars
will occupy the right of the field, and Gen. Han
cocks headquarters will be there. The same
ground was occupied by Washington's line one
hundred years ago, and by Gen. McClelhns
army in 1862. On this field from 200 to l 800
tents, each sheltering fifteen men and furnished
by the War department, will be erected.
For the accommodation of the executive officers
of the government. members of the Cabinet the
congressional commission and distinguished
guests reception buildng-l00 feet long and
20 feet wide-is being built. In addition the
commission have rented the old Nelson House,
which is undergoing thorough repair, and said
neers Braxton and Webb, of the Chesapeake and
Ohio road, met Colonel Craighill at Yorktown
on Wednesday and went over the ground with
the view OF locating the entrance Of their branch
woi.e is also being done by the York
town Centc.2nial Association on the Temple
farm The MoofS House has been renovated
1t will be handsomely carpeted and papered by
New York and PhiladeiPssia merchants, it is
stated, and rendered to the Congressional Com
mission for use by its guests 1t was - this
mouse the arti kOf capitulation were consiG-
cred and agreed to. The association is also
about erecting building, 26O by 64 feet, for
hotel purposes. designed to accommodate LOCO
persons in the beds.
Reports from Yorktown to the Baltimore Sun
state that on the part Of the people of Yorktown
absolutely no preparations are being made. A
little wooden shanty, with the words "Opera
House" over the entrance, and half dozen or
more board huts for dispensing "cOol lager
have been nailed up and seem to have exhausted
the enterprise of the natives.
THE RECEPTION BUILDING AND THE NELSON
HOUSE.
Col. H. C. Corbin to-day received letter from
Col. Craighill, stating that he expected to have
the reception building finished next week. and
that the commission has rented the Nelson
House at Yorktown. AS Gen. Hancock now
expects to 60 into camp with the regular troops
Col. Craighill says he does not know exactly
what use will be made Of the Nelson House.
TROOPS-RAILROADs-THE FOOD QUESTION, ETC.
The Libby State Guard of Hampton, Va, As
men, reported to-day for assignment to quar-
ters. The general manager of the Chesapeake &
Ohio railroad states that the prospect Of the
completion Ofthe road to Newport News and
Yorktown are much more favorable now than
two weeks ago, and all rumors to the contrary
are wholly groundless. Several large contractors
have reported to Col. Corbin their ability and
readiness to contract for supplying food in
abundance to all. visiting organizations and the
general public.
NEW HOTEL, NEW WHARF, ETC.
Mr.. r. C. Glascock, of this city, goes to York
town Monday night to lay the foundation for a
hotel tt be LIS by 80 feet. two stories in height
with sleeping accommodations for 400 or 500 and
a capacity ior furnishing from 1000 to 5000
meals q day.
Col. Austin, of the 18th New York, with his
quartermaster and adjutant, will be In this city
on Sunday. the 11th inst, to complete arrange
ments for the disposition Of his command while
in this city. The LIST regiment Connecticut Ma
tional Guard, Col Barbour, win also visit Wash
ington en route to Yorktown, to remain here
twenty -four hours-on or about the 10th Of
Tho Inland and Seaboara Coasting Company
have decided to erect wharf Ct yorktown and
egtablish daily line Of steamezs.