Fort Norfolk History - 1867
Rear Admiral Stephen C. Rowan took command of the Navy Yard Gosport, Naval Hospital, and Fort Norfolk on August 7, 1866.
Captain Henry A. Wise, Chief of the Bureau of Ordnance, wrote Rear Admiral Stephen C. Rowan, Commandant Navy Yard, Norfolk, on May 6, 1867: “The following recommendations of the Board are approved, and you are authorized to invite proposals for executing them:
That one side of the roof of entrance building over the gateway be slated a new; and, that the fire wall where the roof joins the cemented and eve gutter be repaired with new hangings, and the paint room in the lower part of said building be cemented inside, and the outside joints in brick be pointed up.
That Brick Building No 2 have the ridge lead be put on anew; and that the floor of a room in said building be taken up, joists replaced were rotten, and the foundation bedded to the top of joists.
That Brick Building No 4 have ridge lead put on anew, and cementing be put in the roof along the firewall.
That temporary Shell Houses Nos 1 and 2 have split boards taken out and sound put instead.
The temporary Shell House No 3 is to be taken away altogether and not rebuilt until further orders.
The wooden trestle work supporting the pipe leading to cistern from Main Magazine is to be put in anew and the pipe replaced.”
Captain Henry A. Wise wrote Rear Admiral Stephen C. Rowan on May 20, 1867; “Referring to your communication of the 2 instant, No 127, in which you complain of the condition of the residence at Fort Norfolk and give an estimate for painting it inside and out, repairing its roof and the trestle work supporting the pipe from Main Magazine to cistern.
The Bureau authorizes the repairs to the roof of the residence, and the trestle work as recommended; but having had an estimate made here for the painting, by an expert, it decides that the amount asked for by you is too high. Two hundred dollars may be expanded in painting the building, the work to be done by the men now employed on ordinance.”
Captain Henry A. Wise wrote Captain M. C. Marin, Inspector of Ordnance, Norfolk, on May 25, 1867; “The Bureau hereby authorizes you to except the bid of Mr. Teemyer, to do all the grading and ditching outside of Fort walls, to plank the same where it may be necessary, in order to keep the banks from falling, and filling it, and to make an outfit for the same to the river.
For the convenience of the surface water from the buildings and grounds inside of the land proper drains and gutters to be constructed, all of brick in and outside of the land, to be covered whenever crossed by tracks, roads or works outside. This drain to have an outlet on the west side of the grounds near the walls of the wharf.
On the Gunner’s house to make all the required repairs on the roof, gutters and spouting, also to make a trap door in the roof, and the necessary repairs in the ceiling, for the sum of seven hundred forty dollars ($740), the whole to be completed in fifty (50) work working days from date of contract.“
Captain Henry A. Wise wrote Rear Admiral Stephen C. Rowan on August 9, 1867; “The report of Gunner Linan of the 7 inst in relation to the arrest of certain men at the Naval Magazine for stealing composition metal from that place, has been received.
The bureau desires to be informed if upon investigation, any want of proper care and vigilance in guarding the public property has been shown by the officer and watchmen stationed at the Magazine; and whether any greater amount has been stolen then that reported as having been recovered.”
Commodore Augustus H. Kilty took command of the Navy Yard Gosport, Naval Hospital, and Fort Norfolk on August 7, 1866.
Captain Henry A. Wise wrote Commodore Augustus H. Kilty, Commandant Navy Yard, Norfolk, on August 15, 1867; “The Bureau is in receipt of the report of the Board appointed by your predecessor Rear Admiral Rowan, to investigate the theft of composition metal from the Naval Magazine at Fort Norfolk.
In this case the Bureau is surprised to learn that the ordinary precaution of placing locks upon the public property has been neglected by the officer in charge, and you will please direct him to have this immediately attended to.
Attention is also called to the weekly reports of magazine inspection which must in future contain a remark as to the security of the public property.
The Bureau desires to be informed of the result of the civil investigation, and whether any more of the metal has been recovered.”
Captain Henry A. Wise wrote Commodore Augustus H. Kilty on August 31, 1867; “A few days since three (3) tanks containing powder were found in the Magazine of the “Chicopie” while that vessel was being stripped at the Washington Navy Yard, preparatory to her being sold at auction.
On the 6 December 1866 the “Chicopie” touched at Fort Norfolk for the purpose of landing her powder before going into dock and coming to Washington; but it appears that these three tanks containing nearly six hundred (600) pounds of powder were not landed at Fort Norfolk, and remained in the ship during the whole time she was in dock and while here at this Navy Yard.
Acting Master Vary, it was at the time theOrdinance officer of the “Chicopie” states in a letter of explanation to the Department, that no receipt for powder landed was furnished him at Norfolk, and that “a survey was held on the state of the magazine and shell lockers at Norfolk on Saturday, December 8 by Commander M. C. Marin and an assistant, and this fact presented to me prevented me from examining the magazine again”.
As this case is one of very great important, and which might have resulted in a most terrible disaster, you will please direct Commander Marin to furnish the Bureau with all the information he has concerning it, especially as relates to the statement of Acting Master Vary which, you will perceive, reflect upon his vigilance and attention to duty.
If Commander Marin has left the station, let the records of the office be given as they may relate to the case.”
Captain Henry A. Wise wrote Commodore Augustus H. Kilty on Sept. 28, 1867; “Your letter of the 26 instant, Nos 50 and 25, in closing report of survey held in Rubber House, belonging to the Naval Magazine Fort Norfolk, has been received.”
Captain Henry A. Wise wrote Commander George H. Cooper, Inspector of Ordnance, Norfolk, on Oct 11, 1867; “Your letter of 10 instant, No 285, enclosing a requisition for a stove for the use of the Marine Guard at Fort Norfolk Magazine has been received.
The requisition is herewith returned approved.”
More History
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Source of Information
"Plan of grounds at Fort Norfolk showing location of magazine pier, &c., June 30th, 1860", June 30th, 1860, Map Room Maps G3884.N6:2F6S5 1860 .C3, Library of Virginia, Richmond, VA.
Henry A. Wise, "Henry A. Wise to Stephen C. Rowan", May 6, 1867, National Archives, Record Group 74 Records of Bureau of Ordnance, Letters Sent to Navy Yards & Stations, 1842 - 1882, Norfolk, May 1867 - Oct 1881, Box No. 16, Entry 3, 1 - 2.
Henry A. Wise, "Henry A. Wise to Stephen C. Rowan", May 20, 1867, National Archives, Record Group 74 Records of Bureau of Ordnance, Letters Sent to Navy Yards & Stations, 1842 - 1882, Norfolk, May 1867 - Oct 1881, Box No. 16, Entry 3, 3 - 4.
Henry A. Wise, "Henry A. Wise to M. C. Marin", May 25, 1867, National Archives, Record Group 74 Records of Bureau of Ordnance, Letters Sent to Navy Yards & Stations, 1842 - 1882, Norfolk, May 1867 - Oct 1881, Box No. 16, Entry 3, 5 - 6.
Henry A. Wise, "Henry A. Wise to Augustus H. Kilty", August 15, 1867, National Archives, Record Group 74 Records of Bureau of Ordnance, Letters Sent to Navy Yards & Stations, 1842 - 1882, Norfolk, May 1867 - Oct 1881, Box No. 16, Entry 3, 18.
Henry A. Wise, "Henry A. Wise to Augustus H. Kilty", August 31, 1867, National Archives, Record Group 74 Records of Bureau of Ordnance, Letters Sent to Navy Yards & Stations, 1842 - 1882, Norfolk, May 1867 - Oct 1881, Box No. 16, Entry 3, 19.
Henry A. Wise, "Henry A. Wise to Augustus H. Kilty", September 28, 1867, National Archives, Record Group 74 Records of Bureau of Ordnance, Letters Sent to Navy Yards & Stations, 1842 - 1882, Norfolk, May 1867 - Oct 1881, Box No. 16, Entry 3, 23.
Henry A. Wise, "Henry A. Wise to George H. Cooper", October 11, 1867, National Archives, Record Group 74 Records of Bureau of Ordnance, Letters Sent to Navy Yards & Stations, 1842 - 1882, Norfolk, May 1867 - Oct 1881, Box No. 16, Entry 3, 29.