Lt. Williamson is Arrested
Fort Monroe
Elizabeth City County Virginia
~ 30 April 1832 ~ Copyright © 2000,
Frederick Smoot. All Rights Reserved.
Fort Monroe is located in Hampton City. Hampton is a Virginia independent city
incorporated in 1908. Originally was part of Elizabeth City County which was founded
in 1634, terminated in 1952. Old Point Comfort post office was located at or near Fort
Monroe.
Map courtesy USGS
The fort was begun in 1819 and was completed in 1834. As a young lieutenant of
engineers, Robert E. Lee was stationed here during 1831-1834. One of the names listed
in this letter is that of Capt. Huger. Huger
was one of Lees friends and was
stationed there with Lee. Huger later became CSA Civil War General after a
distinguished career in the Union Army.
Red Circular Postmark:
OLD PT.
COMFT. MAY 1
Red Handstamp:
PAID (struck twice)
Manuscript Rate:
18 ¾
Addressee:
Capt H. W. Griswold
Army
Newbern
N. Ca
Docket:
The P. M. will please ford
this to Beaufort if the Company has left --
Letters Author:
M. Williamson
Contents:
Fort Monroe
Ap. 29th 32
Dear Sir
Your letter of appointment was recd on
28th -- I
regret that I can not commence on 1st May
but will endeavor to leave here one the 8th
--
being detained to make arrangements --
Allow me to congratlate you on your promotion as Real Captain (as
Patrick says). There is much Military news here. The ordnance Corps is said to be fixed
The following gentlemen Confirmed.
Col. Bomford
Col. Tolcote
Maj. Craig
Maj. Worth
Cap. Baker
" Wade
Symonton
Bell
Bradford
Huger
R. B. Mason
Mordeca
Hills & another -- I do not remember --
Lt. Williamson is arrested by
Genl Macomb for disrespectful language
& a court has been ordered to convene here on the
5th May -- Col. Arbucle President,
Doct Archer Judge Advocate -- their are five Infantry Officers on the Court -- the
balance are the Senior Captains present here.
Arrangements are making for Camp and troops are in daily expectation for the
movement. ==
I will thank you to allow Mr. Lindsay Continue the supplies of the Camp & until I
am able to join --, -- the profits Shall be exclusively his --
Very Respts
Signed:
M Williamson
To: Capt. H. W. Griswold
-------
ps
E. Eveleth has just brought
home a wife unexpected to
all his family -- (Miss Butts
of Alexandria /
From the Collection of
Frederick Smoot
Provenance: David Phillips, 1998
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