I just returned from a Civil War tour in Virginia. I made it a point to visit Chaffin's Farm where the 9th Georgia was positioned at the end of the war. It was a great thrill to walk in the earthworks at Fort Hoke, Fort Johnson and the other redoubts along Chaffin's Bluff where my ancestors bravely fought. I also discovered why the Lockridge boys (Amon, Francis and Thomas) were not recorded in the Appomattox Paroles. I was told that since Chaffin's Farm is on the East side of the James River, they could not follow Lee when he evacuated Richmond and headed west towards Appomattox. They were isolated and surrounded. When the troops at Chaffins Bluff were informed about Lee's surrender, they threw down their weapons and began their long walk home.

I hope all of you who are interested in the 9th Ga. Artillery will make the attempt to visit Chaffin's Bluff. The earth works are in remarkably good shape and still very well defined. I met and spoke with numerous knowledgable people at the Petersburg Historical Society as well as the Museum of the Confederacy who provided great insite on exactly what took place at Chaffin's Farm. It wasn't pretty as it became hand to hand combat towards the end with lots of casualties on both sides.

I have plenty of photo's I'm willing to share if you would like to see.

Please feel free to pass long any additional information as I am deeply interested in this particular topic.

Dan