The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-04-29
FOREST HILL AS
A RENDEZVOUS.
Attention is Called to Its Many
Advantages,
LIEUTENANT BYRON VISITS IT..
Struck With tho Location, which is
Most Desirable from a Hygienic
Standpoint-Pur Water aud
Plenty of Room.
LIEUTENANT BYRON VISITS IT..

The following letter addressed TO a
prominent official of the Southern Rail-
way Company at Washington explains
.,slf.
Richmond. Va. April -. 1895.
= beg go ha1 herewith enclosed copy
OF 8 letter 7 recently delivered in person
TO ColonT Jo. Lane stern in reference TO
thc proposed mobilization OF troops by
Tho Federal Government in this vicinity.
Affcr th" delivery of this letter Lieu
ion. Dos Byron. of the United States Army,
boo conjunction with Colonel stern.
had been examining other proposed sites,
expressed co. desire 90 90 With us TO in-
81 cci the ground offered 10y The Richmond
Railway and Electric Company at For
osf 1000 UIrk. ID was much pleased with
tlf grounds and agreed Win us ae 20 the
correctness of our sd. temout tla, they
presented unusual ftciafles and a'trac-
lions for the 20 Contemplated. and cs-
r~.eieIIy from hygienic standpoint
Iu addition t1 the l5 acres referred 90
ir the accompanying letter. We nave Sc
cured tho right to furn over Co The Eel
crAl Governments the use az au extensive
plateau Immediately adjoining our prop
orty and fronting UYon the Wcstham
road. consisting of forty acres. which, In
conjunction with several other plateaus
OH our own prof6l-y Will give. ecc0rolng
f0 Lieutenant byron. The amplest iicill-
tics fYr the cucampmeut of at least 3'-
0l troops. allowing Tor proper Hrts ana
formations in the camp proper.
DRINKING WATER.
Tho drinking water ou tine place con-
eiet- OF seven DO Oh flowing h,hia springs
$50 situated within a tow yards OF each
other ss that fheir entire outflow could
be concentrated m "a 20 and thence
pumped by electric power Ola The ground
20 au. locality or localities desired. The
ouffow 0f these springs would aggregate
from 110 mo 20 10000 gallons per DAY.
In addition 20 the springs we're are TWO
dcfp- wells upon the property Sl'ualed
lr,n high ground. and which 70 has never
baen found possible To- exhaust, even by
the u-o of electric motors for pumping.
Tho rolling nature of the property WIN
several prominent hills iu "a part OF IL
tenders 10 cmiuonrly fitted for rifle prac-
tfre which would DEE Impossible at any
point odd tho Richmond side of the river,
and which we arc Informed is very ne
.,as-rr incident OF the mobilization or
tIcors ass proposed. TEo lake upon the
r-orcrty and ITS frontage Upon the river
furnish ample facilities for laundry
bathing purposes 90 arm weather.
TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES.
Tho Drouartv rs Immediately contiguous
10 rsre. areas of wood. which could be
purchased - greatly reduced rates ior
the use ~ tho camps.
Tin. health Of this locality is eEcop-
t.onaI. as it is 200 feet above tidewater-
ON practically the highest point
rf land for miles around-and be-
Jug un tho south side of the
lanes river thc prevailing summer
winds. e-0m the southwest free il en-
r.-.IN from aU danger of malaria.
T.a transportation facilities are an
chat could boz desired ms So rs reached by
Tho two branches of The Richmond Rail-
way and Electric Company street cars
r-lm Manchester and Richmond on the
ono e.I, and ou the other IS traVersed
lv fhe Southern railroad for "a distance
quarter ~ % mile
A. this point the topography OF the
land i- -u.b Chat al proper and necessary
sl1incs could Doe speedily and cheaply
constructed. This vicinity TO your road
was considered bv Lieutenant Byron TO
Dc "a great advautage. and ! have me
suggestion from several sources that il
the authorities of your system would
bring The matter to the attention of the
officials iu Washington 30 would greatly
add to the probability off The selection
~ flI- vicinity for the mobilization OF
troops.
My company stands prepared 90 give
fNn very FULLEST detailed information 10
tho "auth0ri'is- and perfect IT'S tender OF
lleeo grounds in amy manner desired boy
the government
] am informed that influence has al
ready been brought to bear upon the
Federal government looking 20 the Hselec-
ton of Richmond ass "a suitable point for
mobilization. but J have taken steps 20
bring tle peculiar advantage Of this site
Goo our representatives in Congress.
7 commend the matter 90 YOU FOR your
careful and earnest consideration. as J
ann satisfied 90 will be "a matter OF con-
siderable advantage 90 Your company.
7 neglected 90 state that there Is q
large stone house about the centre Of the
grounds rendered. which IS admirably
suited for u-c as headquarters. There
are also two immense plateaux en- The
immediate vicinity. which we will tender
FOR drill grounds OF course the entire
ground arc rendered absolutely free OF
cost to the government.
shall Doe very glad 90 hear from you
o. rour carly convenience
Naurs very truly.
A. g. GUIGON.
Tor tho Richmond Railway and Electric