2d Drewry's Bluff battlefield

[riverratmess]

I know this battlefield is pretty much non-existent anymore, but has anyone done any research on the battlefield or the battle? Or have any pictures of the area today?

I was planning a trip down to the area. Even though nothing looks the same I wanted to find the approx. location where the 8th Connecticut held during the early morning of May 16th. I wanted to visit it just for the sake of being there. My g-g-g grandfather was among the unlucky few who were captured when the 8th was overrun by the 25th South Carolina and others of Hagood's brigade.

I have the 8th placed with their right flank on Jefferson Davis Highway (Rt. 1) and their left on Kingsdale Road.

Any thoughts?

Thanks.

[roundshot]

Re: 2d Drewry's Bluff battlefield

Confederate Ft. Stevens is still there and fairly well preserved as is the Wooldridge House. A portion of the Confederate works held on the reverse side by the 13th CT (to the left of the 8th) used to be there behind some houses, but it's been years since I've seen. For a great description of Drewry's Bluff get your mitts on Thompson's "History of the 13th New Hampshire Volunteers". I have a bayonet I dug in 1965 found near the intersection of Kingsland with Rt. 1 where the old drive in theater used to be. Not many other good relics though and even bullets were not that numerous. But there are still portions of the old Howlett line to see too, including Battery Dantzler, Parker's Battery, and old remnants of trenches are in just about every piece of woods. My G-Grandfather was with the Surry Light Artillery and nearly hit by a Federal sharpshooter while in Ft. Stevens.

[Gary of CA]

Re: 2d Drewry's Bluff battlefield

roundshot - please tell us more about your G-grandfather and his near miss.

[Dignann]

Re: 2d Drewry's Bluff battlefield

Matt:

For reading material, I suggest the following two titles:

William G. Robertson. Back Door to Richmond: The Bermuda Hundred Campaign, April - June 1864 (Newark: University of New Jersey Press, 1987)

Herbert M. Schiller. The Bermuda Hundred Campaign (Dayton: Morningside House, Inc., 1988)

As Bob has listed, there are many sites associated with the Bermuda Hundred Campaign that are still accessible. Some of these are maintained by the Chesterfield County Department of Parks and Recreation. A list and information can be found at the following address:

http://www.chesterfieldtourism.com/civilwar.shtml

If you want to locate the position of a particular regiment, I suggest paying a visit to the NPS facility at Chimborazo in downtown Richmond. They have some maps and resources there and the historians can assist you.

Good luck and have fun.

Eric

[Jimmayo]

My Dad was named for the author of this letter.

Head Quarters Co. G 9th Va Infty

July 30th, 1864 Chesterfield Cty. Va.

To

Mrs M. F. Stephens

I this morning seat myself to inform you of the sad news of your Brother’s “Death” which I no doubt has reached you ere this does, the company and myself to you your mother [fold in letter obliterates one line] in this deep affection, he was a noble Soldier and much beloved by the company and all who know him, he fell on the 16th day of May in the Battle of Drewrys Bluff in a charge on the enemy concealed in a piece of woods behind a piece of works which they had thrown up during the night previous, Mr. James M. Bailey by his side of the same company both were instantly killed both struck about the same time and were not seen to move after falling, they were buried together on the field a distance of (7) seven miles from (this place) Richmond City. I do not know whether or not their remains have been removed yet, we have a lot in the Hollywood cemetery at Richmond for all the Portsmouth Soldiers to be interred in case their relatives in future times may wish their removal. The boys spoken of in your letters are very will, Alonzo Roane, Arthur Collins, Robert Rodman. Several of my company was wounded on the 16th some of them perhaps you man know. I will give the names James T. Stewart, Oney Edwards, Lyles Jobson, Virginius Denson, Columbus Johnson, Benjamin F. Grant, Johnson has since died and it is feared Grant will, the others are out of danger. No bundle has reached us yet as the bundle you spoke of in your letter has not reached the company I must now close, with much Respect I am

Very Respectfully

Your Obd Servt.

Nathaniel G.Gayle

2nd Lieut. Co “G” 9th Va Infantry

or Portsmouth Rifles

[roundshot]

Re: 2d Drewry's Bluff battlefield

To respond to Gary's inquiry: According to my grandfather, his father, QM Sgt. Servetus McQueen Williams of the Surry Light Artillery was sitting resting against a gun wheel when a sharpshooters bullet took out the spoke over his head. Old soldiers tale? I don't know but sources on the battle document that federal sharpshooters in trees were quite annoying to the men of the SLA and those of the Washington Artillery. See some of the sources cited by Eric Mink above. Attached is a photo of Sgt. Williams, the original of which is in my possession.

[roundshot]

Re: 2d Drewry's Bluff battlefield

One more thing, here is a 1960s topo map of the field, my old relic hunting map . Note the breastworks shown on the map which I'm sure you can correlate with the 8th Ct. positions. The 13th CT. defended the reverse side of these. Ft. Steven's is at what's called Chimney Corners on the map. My bayonet came from the woods just north of the drive in theater. Hope this will assist in some way.

[Jimmayo]

Re: 2d Drewry's Bluff battlefield

Matt:

If you want to locate the position of a particular regiment, I suggest paying a visit to the NPS facility at Chimborazo in downtown Richmond. They have some maps and resources there and the historians can assist you.

Good luck and have fun.

Eric

I have seen a map with most of the regiments listed and their positions. It was either in the NPS or somewhere in Chester. I would check the NPS.

[Dignann]

Re: 2d Drewry's Bluff battlefield

I have seen a map with most of the regiments listed and their positions. It was either in the NPS or somewhere in Chester. I would check the NPS.

I'm going from memory, so I could very well be mistaken, but I believe the map was part of the series produced by Ed Bearss for NPS battlefields during the 1960's. If so, the NPS at Chimbo would have a copy.

Eric

[riverratmess]

Re: 2d Drewry's Bluff battlefield

Thank you everyone for your all help. It's all been very helpful.

I've been really interested in this battle ever since I found out I had family who took part in it. It's too bad that it's mainly gone. It shows you what can happen to these places if we don't watch out. A lesson in preservation, I guess.

I've been trying to do my own research and then in the end compare it to what the NPS has. I want to see how close I can get it. All part of the fun.

Bob according to your map, I was very close in placing the 8th where I did.

I had a few more questions to throw out. Does the Old Stage Road still exist? It looks like 95 was paved over it. Has anyone ever been to Fort Stevens? Is there any website with pictures of it?

I have the Robertson book, it's a good read. I'm still trying to find the Schiller one though.


Thanks again for all the help.

[roundshot]

Re: 2d Drewry's Bluff battlefield

Some pics here but not the best: http://www.pickettsociety.com/bermud...rmuda_pix.html

[roundshot]

Re: 2d Drewry's Bluff battlefield

Matt: Compare the Topo Map in my earler post with this sketch and legend from Millett Thompson's "History of the 13th NHV." Note the location of the telegraph wire strung as a barrier and how the New England troops defended the exterior of the Richmond defense line.

[vamick]

Re: 2d Drewry's Bluff battlefield

Bob thats a great picture of your ancestor!..do you have a larger version? is that the top of a high boot I see just below his left knee?, also I see the 'Richmond depot-esk' V piping on his sleaves, but I only count 8 buttons,although it looks like their might be one on the bottom that isnt buttoned?...do you have a year for this picture?...could this be a picture of the elusive "Richmond Depot I" uniform??

[roundshot]

Re: 2d Drewry's Bluff battlefield

Gary: The photo was taken in the Fall of 1862. Rather than the cuff trim being pointed, I believe it to be straight across. It's a full plate albumin print that was originally tinted. Trim is on shoulder straps and cuffs only. It's either an early Richmond pattern or commutation. Buttons are probably "flower" type.You can see an enlarged version of the photo simply by clicking twice on the one on this thread. He is not wearing boots.

[vamick]

Re: 2d Drewry's Bluff battlefield

Ah well...thought we might have the proverbial golden fleece on our hands there! great picture none the less:D