The National tribune., 1882-12-07
HAMPTON ROADS.
The Old Soldiers HOme-Changes Since the Re
beliOn.


beiliOn.
Special Correspondence National Tribune.
OLD POINT COMFORT, Va, Nov. 29.-As you
steam down the Chesapeake and with its south
ern point-Capc Henry-in sight, your boat is
headed to the west and you enter the splendid
harbor of Hampton Roads, its gateway guarded
by Fortress Monroe and the Rip Raps On the
right Of the roads, as you steam towards the
mouth of the James, lies complete panorama
of war-Fortress Monroe, with its active ar
tillcrvmen; the Old Soldiers Home, with its
battle-scarred veterans; and the National Gem
tory, with its silent army of heroes. On your
left the ships Of the North Atlantic fleet lie at
anchor, with the Tennessee" flying Admiral
Coopar's pcnnant
Fortress Monroe, with its $50 guns, is at
present commanded by General g. w Getty,
and is garrisoned by five companies Of artillery,
about 250 men, one company from each of the
regiments of artillery. The Artillery School
Of instruction is also located here, and prac-
tice with the big guns is almost daily had, to
obtain that skin which enabled Sergeant
Rourke in 1861 to cut down with shot the
staff which flew the stars and bars over the
rebel battery at Sewells Point, four miles dis
tant.
The southern branch of the National Sol
dierS' Homo contains about $50 disabled war
riOrs, who are as happy and cOntented as their
ailments permit, and is in charge of Governor
2. T. Woodfn, who is Jealous in providing for
their comfort Billiards, pool, bagatelle, chess,
cards, dominOes, ten-pins, &c, are provided for
Them and two large rooms and an alley are
used for this purpose. In addition to these,
well stocked library and reading-room affords
mental amusement, while a band-considered
the best in Yireinia-furnishes sweet music
daily. Many of the old veterans work at their
trades in Hampton, Newport News and vicinity,
and Governor Woodfn is untiring in his efforts
to obtain them employment and provide for
their wants.
The National Cemetery contains several thou
sand graves Of McClellan's and Grants men
who fell in the glorious cause, shot down on
the line or struck down by the insidious ma
laria of the lowlands.
Between the Home and the old village of
Hampton stands the " Hampton Normal and
Industrial Institute in charge of Gen. 5. c.
Armstrong, ably assisted by Gen. j. F. B. Mar
shall, where 46i students, 80 of whom are
Indians, receive a practical as well as theOreti-
cal education. 4 couple of fine farms, saw and
plgning mill. carpenters and ioincrS shops,
printing Office and bookbindery, tinsmlths'
shop. boot and shoe factory, &c, afford ample
means of instruction. 1t is pity that this in
sttution is dependent upon voluntary contribu-
tions for its support as here Is being solved the
great problem of the capacity of the Indian for
progress The Government pays but $167 per
auuum for the board, clothing, and instruction
of each Indian, the cost OF which TO the insti-
tute Is $3.50 \ few noble spirited men like
c. 2. Huntington-whO presented building
for an industrial work at a cost OF $4,000
would enable the institute to sail ahead with
ease and make profit upon its manufactures.
In the Indian workshops two thousand pairs of
shoes and seventy sets Of double Row harness
are being made for the Indian department at
Washington to be sent West, and the saw mill
is furnishing nearly all the timber used in this
section.
Before the war this section was sparsely
settled, but late years have brought quite
influx of population, until now the Point, for
several miles up, IS very thicIIy settled and
line Congrcssuau-eIect from the district. Hon.
Harry Libby, has been selected from this post
bclIum population OF en,crprising men.
The Soldiers Home grounds axe -gcat re-
sort for picnic parties from Norfolk ANA vicinity
during the summer. and the sailors from the
feet and soldiers from the fors are ut all times
with the old vets The theatre, which
is a fine one, furnishes the principal dramatic
for this section, and Gov, WooIin
is careful that the wants Of the inmates and
outsiders well supplied in this regard.