Randall Haynes Letter 30 April 1874
To General Andrew A. Humphreys
Chief of Engineers of the United States
Dear Sir,
I have the honor to make this my application to you for the purpose of ascertaining what amount of ground is now occupied by the fort “Fort Norfolk” near Norfolk Virginia.
I desire to look at the plat of the Fort and settle some disputes which have arisen between parties owning the adjoining property from one of whom I am now acting as attorney.
There have been additions to the lines of the forts limits from time to time.
There is one plat (made about the year 1835) signed by R. E. Taylor and William E. Taylor, owners of the adjoining property and by S. H. Stringham on the part of the United States fixing the boundaries, of the Fort land at 5 acres 0 Roods 17 3/4 perches
What I desire is to know when and upon what terms the additions were made, and the present area of the fort grounds.
As the plates of United States property as all other titles to real property or matters of public record, I hope there can be no trouble about your granting the application, particularly as this is a question only affecting the right to adjoining property, and in nowise affecting the interests of the United States.
I have the honor Sir to be your obedient servant, very respectfully,
Randall Haynes atty.
Washington
April 30, 1874
Fort Norfolk Documents
1790, 1791, 1792, 1793, 1794, 1795, 1796, 1797, 1798, 1799,
1800, 1801, 1802, 1803, 1804, 1805, 1806, 1807, 1808, 1809,
1810, 1811, 1812, 1813, 1814, 1815, 1816, 1817,
1850, 1851, 1852, 1853, 1854, 1855, 1856, 1857, 1858, 1859
Source of Information
National Archives, Record Group 77 (Office, Chief of Engineers)
Land Papers
Virginia (Craney Island, Mill Creek Bridge, Ferry Point, Ft. Norfolk, Yorktown Monument, Arlingtron Estate, Willoughby Spit);
Washington (General)
Box No. 61, NM-19, Entry 171