Viewing page 166 of 334

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

316

following statement of facts.

The Building (not the estate - which comprises forty acres and several Buildings besides the College Building.) known as Chesapeake Female College was in the Fall of 1865, and by orders of Genl. Wiley then commanding the Sub District of Fortress Monroe, turned over in substance as following. One undivided half, to Chas A. Raymond for the benefit of himself and the loyal owners he represents and one undivided half to Capt A.S. Flagg A.Q.M. for the benefit of the Bureau R.F. & A.L.

In the month of April 1866 Capt. Whytal called upon me introducing himself as one A.W. in charge of the property of the Bureau in this District, and proposed to occupy the said College Building, by virtue of his office. His right to an equal view in the disposition of the property was readily conceded.

Upon his proposing to divide the Building as to occupancy, it was by one states to him, and in writing, that neither of the parties in possession had any authority to make such a division. That in order of Genl Wiley under which possession was held gave to each of said parties, an undivided half, and that whichever party occupied the building, the other party would be entitled to half rent. Under this explanation Capt Whytal continues his occupancy until subsequent to the 1st October ensuing.

In addition to the rooms occupied by Capt Whytal several gentlemen in the employ of the Bureau some of them with families were also domiciled at the same time in the College building.

From the fact that Capt. Whytal as an A.Q.M. took possession of the Building officially and that so large a part of it was occupied not only by himself, but by employees of the Bureau under his direction and appointment, I have always felt warrented in the supposition that the Bureau was the responsible party in occupancy of the premises.

The following additional statement, comprises all the facts concerning the occupancy of any part of said building by the loyal owners.

At different times, persons have been permitted by me to live in the building when otherwise uncared for, to protect it from depredation.

But there has never been, on the part of the loyal owners any occupancy of the building (i.e. in the sense of deriving benefit from such use) from the time it was in possession of the Bureau until this present. With the single exception

317

that during a few months of last winter one room was occupied as a school room, which school was free to all, who in their own opinion could not afford to pay for their tuitions.

(sgd) Chas A Raymond

Bu. R.F.& A.L.
Hd. Qrs. Asst. Comr.
Richmond, Va. Sept. 5th 67

Respectfully returned to Genl. S.C. Armstrong, Agent in charge 5th S. Dist. Va. for information in regard to the date of occupying as quarters, by Bvt. Lt. Col. T.G. Whytal, of a part of the building herein named.

O. Brown
Bvt. Brig. Genl. Vols.
Asst. Comr.

Recd back Sept 5th 67
Bu. R.F.& A.L.
Office Agent 5th S. Dist. Va.
Fort Monroe, Sept 3rd 67
S.420.2.V.67
Armstrong, S.C.
Agent 5th S. Dist. Va.
214

Respectfully returned to Bvt. Brig. Genl. O. Brown, Asst. Comr. the building referred to in the enclosed communication of Miss Emma D. Southwick is the property of the Q.M. Dept. and is situated on the grounds of the National Cemetery from which it must soon be removed I need shingling badly as the patent roofing with which it is entirely worthless. The cost of moving and shingling and roofing will be about $160.00 and I would respectfully recommend that an appropriation of that amount be made for this purpose provided the building can be transferred t the Bureau. An application was made on the 2nd inst. for the transfer of the Building to the Bureau.

(Sgd) S.C. Armstrong
Agent Bu. &c. 5th S. Dist. Va.

Bu. R.F.& A.L.
Hd. Qrs. Asst. Comr.
Richmond, Va. Sept. 5th 67

Respectfully returned to Genl. S.C. Armstrong, Agent.
this Bureau can only provide for Refugees and Freedmen.

O. Brown
Bvt. Brig. Genl. Vols.
Asst. Comr.

Transcription Notes:
---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-06-26 14:16:58