The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-10-19
WHAT A FRENCHMAN
SAW In DIXIE s
IN 1863
Copyrightcd.l
xxI.-pxKwRy's BLUFF AND cHArrfS's
RLUFf.

l have devoted ono day 10 yistung the
naval encampment at Drewry's Bluff, stu
ated about nine mile below Richmond, upon
the James river. This is the locality the
Fcdcrals have decorated with the pompus
name Of "Fort Darling
No fort has ever stood there. II is all OF.
binary blun, OF which the highest point is
about eighty feet above the level OF the
river. which IL commands for distance OF
three or four miles.
When the Federal fleet, under the COM
mand Of Admiral Rodges, advanced upon
Richmoud, MAY Is, 1861, Drewry's Bluff was
In a state Of nature, covered with thick
growth Of vegetation. The Confederatcs
had barely time to make small clearing
and place three guns when the federals aI-
peared. With these they were able TO de-
fcnd the channel, which had already been
obstructed by the sinking OF several Vessels
the jamestown, among others-and drive
back the fleet OF The enemy with
considerable damage. The Galena,
the flagship oil Admiral Rodgers, suffered
more especially. and | am forced TO
entertain the idea that "Fort Darling was
an Imaginary construction called into
existence 10 furnish an excuse for a notable
rcpulse. The Federals reported that the
mountable obstacle, as their projectiles
could not reach the Confederate position,
but an inspection Of the locality will soon
convince one OF the inaccuracy Of this state
ment. Many OF the bombs thrown by the
Galena imbedded themselves deeply in the
soil on the summit Of the Bluf, and further
inland oaks and pines several feet in diam
eter were cut down by their projectiles, and
indeed, after the engagement spoken OF the
Uafh M several
projectiles OF various forms and size which
they still preserve as relics.
Since then the COnfederates have erected
some extensive earthworks, and at present
Drewery's Bluff is quite formidable posi-.
ton. A naval cncampment composed OF
sailors and marines has been established
there. This encampment reminds. one
of village of pioneers, but in
stead Of tents they have small log
houses furnished with doors, windows
and chimneys, all as comfortably arranged
as the place aud circumstances Will per
nit The river has been more completely
obstructed than IL was formerly. deel
ravine in the form Of an arc extends from
the turnpike 20 the stream known as "fall
ing Creek" These form natural line.
Of defense and by isOlating the fords
secure II from any attack by LAND
on the Petersburg side. A strong
~ intrenched fort, with a masked
battery consisting of three pieces of heavy
calibre, entirely commands the course OF
the stream from the turnpike abOve-men
toned a considerable distance below The
fort, where sudden turn hides 1t IRON
view. A series of fortified easements extend
from "The Fort TO Failing Creek" and
command the stream above the Obstruc
tions, so that if the enemy's vessels sue
ceeded in passing the latter, they would
still have 10 encounter the fire oil
dozen pieces OF artillery before
they could succeed in reaching the capital
The iron-clad "Richmond," Captain X. Il
Pegram. is anchored in front OF the Bun,
ready 10 cooperate with the land-batteries
The Captain being detained in camp on ac-
count OF Indispositlon, il is to the officer in
command, Lieutenant +. l.. HOge, that
owe the favor Of visiting this vessel. It's
build is m-deled after that Of the Merrimac,
with the improvements which only expert
eBce conld suggest. 10 is a hundred and
fifty feet in length, with forty-dve feet OF
breadth. Its plating consists OF three
sheets Of iron placed obliquely over each
other, the exterior and interior plates
being each two inches In thickness and the
middle sheet one inch
The Richmond carries four Brook guns
one at the bow, one ut the stern, and one on
each side. The first two are 50 mounted
that they can be pointed at a moment,
consequently there are eight portfolios.
three on each side, the seventh
in front, and toe eighth in the stern. These
portfolios can be closed when necessary
The ''igbting deck" is Immediately above
the water-lne; the engines, furnaces
cabins, refectory and dormitories are all
below the water-lne. The hull OF the YES
vessel, seen from above, presents an ellipti-
cal surface. -Four inclined planes, slOplng
in different directions at an angle of % de-
grees. form a roof for the structure and
shelter the batteries and the fighting deck
above mentined. IL is manned by one hun
dred and fifty men.
Some distance below Drewry's Bluff the
Confederates have erected upon the height
known as Cbaifins Bluff. situated on the
left bank Of the river, still more effective
masked battery TO serve as an outpost and
TO guard against any fresh attack on Rich.
mond by the river. An encampment SINH
lar TO that Of Drewry's Bluff has been es-
tablished there, so that they may count on
the defences of the James river as Offcrin
strong guarantee for the safety of The
capital.
South of Richmond every height is crown.
cd with earthwOrks destined 10 defend the
city from all attacks by land by way Of
Petersburg or North Carolina. West and
north Of the city the defences are in equally
good condition, and since the raid made by
the cavalry general, Stoneman, Camp Win
der has been established permanently.
xxH.--DoCK-YARDF FOR THE sHIPs-oF-wAR
Great activity prevails in the ship-yard,
at Richmond where they are constructor.
two ironclads after the model OF the erich
mond." The first, TO be named the "Frede
ricksburg." is being built by means OF 4
subscription raised 10y the ladies of the Con.
federate capital; the second, the New Merri
mac, Is already far advanced towards com.
pletion, and both are sufficiently near com.
pletion 20 be of great service if an emer.
gency We're 10 call for them.
The gunb0at "Patrick Henry serves at
the present time rs a naval school, Will,
the ironclads beaufort and champion
do service between the city Of Richmond
and the various points below on the river,
where they may be needed. There are al
together six ironclads ready TO defend the
capital in case OF an attack.
xxIn.-GENERAL LEE AND THE ARMY
OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA.
Thanks TO the kindness of the President
i was allowed 10 visit the Army Of Northern
Virginia. A special letter of recommends
ton from the Acknowledgement TO the Gen
eral In command OF this army passed me
without hindrance through 6ordonsyile
and Orange Courthouse 10 the army head
quarters, situated at no great distance
from the latter locality.
A group of four tents OF modest appear
aHce were situated on the southern incline
OF enc OF the many little hills which form so
prominent a feature in Virginia landscapes.
The first was the tent OF General Lee, the
second served as reiectory. The other two
were reserved for the use of the stan OIL
GERS, "a colonel, two majors, and captain.
An aide-de-camp announced my arrival
10 the General who received me most cor
daily. He was In undress uniform, "A CHS
tune Of Confederate gray, and bore him
self with that dignity for which he
10 marked. Ills stature, appearance, con-
versation all are impressive, and call
forth the admiration Of the beholSer.
Since my interview with General Lee
fully understand the influence which he ex-
ercises over all who come in contact with
him, the unbounded devotion OF his soldiers,
aud the entire confidence reposed in him by
the people aud the Government.
Accompanied by Major Nenable visited
the camp Of General Ewell, second army
corps. and that OF General A. L. Hill, third
To- q urt