The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1895-08-01
HISTORIC GROUND.
Changes Time Has Made i'm Some of tn
Scenes of Wars A1arums.


Scenes of Wars Alarums.
EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: During
the many months when Gen. Butler was
bottled" in Bermuda Hundred, / was on
duty in the Ehgineer's Office at Headquar-
tiers, Gen Godfrey Weiizel being Chief En-
gineer on Buffers staff This was in the
Spring OF 1864, aud just before the springing
Of the mine from which so much WAS ex
pected, and from which 50 little was realized.
One lovely day in june an officer on duty
with me at Headquarters walked over nearly
to the James River. 1t was Sunday, aud an
unwonted quiet prevailed. For wonder,
there was on that day no cannonade, even at
a distance. TO disturb the Sabbath quiet
In little sheltered nook, lying in the
bend OF the river, were the horses of bat
terry. The guns were near, and the men
were bivouacklng in the shade or picking
the black berries which grew in profusion
around. A field of wheat nearby, still I'M
trampled by the march of men and horses,
was almost ready for the sickle. The honse
to which the ground appertafned was nearby,
but partially dismantled. Much OF the fur
niture had been removed, and hostile hands
had evidently been making free with the
comforts of what had once been pleasant
home.
We went upstairs. There the work of
spoliation had apparently stayed, for some of
the furniture still remained, among it an
old-fashioned secretary with sloping top.
Opening this we found several thousand
dollars worth Of rebel money in scrip bonds
and other forms, all payable on the conclu-
sion OF a treaty between the United States Of
America and the Confederate States There
was also good deal Of money in bonds of
State banks, all of course, dependent on the
same treaty proyiso, and, of course, equally
worthless.
We went up the broken ladder to fine
observatory, which commanded view for
miles around. Richmond lay about 10
miles distant as the crow flies. The city
itself was not visible. but the loom of its
smoke pointed ont its whereabouts. We had
a fine view OF our own and the rebel lines i;
could see Beauregard's troops behind their
intrenchmenis; could see men at work
strengthening weak places in the lines, and
could see the rebel defenses for miles on
every side OF the rebel capital. Near where
we stood we could see our line of works
from the Crows Nest" on the james, to
"Butler's Lookout" at Point of Rocks on
the Appomattox.
IL was lovely scene, and all that re-
minded us OF war was our own uniform and
the presence of the battery almost at our feet
Active offensive operations had been sus-
pended until the mine should he completed
and there was an unusual peace pervading
the scene.
"Ah," said ], major, if we ever finish
this war before we 20 under ourselves, and
Congress ever gives us those 100 acres of
land they talk SO much about, I'll take my
share right about here. This is good enough
ground for me-"
Wel,n said the Major, it certainly is a
lovely spot; but you must remember, old
fellow. that we are long way from Rich
mond, near as it looks TO u.s. and that it will
be some time before we can read our title
clear TO anything at present within our sight
Besides, we can't tell what other ground we
may occupy before we are permitted to put
in claim for land on the James River"
These were indeed prophetic words The
very next day an interior line of works swept
away the old mansion, utterly blotted out
the wheatield, n new line of works to fall
back on in case of accident totally altered
the face of the country, and the Major him
self within a fortnight slept his last sleep,
having been wounded in a night attack by
Beauregard on our works.
In 1888 sailed up the James River from
Norfolk on one Of the Old Dominion Line of
steamers, passing within sight Of the scene
of our conversation. But the country was
vastly changed. One could trace the huge
lines OF our works, but kindly nature had
been busiiy at,.0rk IN Tic intervening years,
aud with vine and leaf and shrubbery had
almost effaced the injuries which man had
inflicted on her bosom.
Deep Bottom, one ofour important strategic