Alan and Jim,

Tomorrow is my 50th birthday and I had the good fortune of a low work load that allowed me to take today and Friday off. I rode down to The Half-Way House (that's how it was referred to in the day) and several other sites of interest in the area today. The May 10 battle that Jim questioned was indeed the Battle of Chester Station. Just below (south) of where the inn stands was the Howlett Line. This line extended from Parker's Battery (4 three inch ordance rifles and supporting infantry trenches) on the south to Dantzler's Battery on the north at The James River (heavy guns including two Columbiads). This famous line kept Butler's men in what was referred to as "The Bottle". Butler formed his men on the peninsula that separates the James and the Appomattox Rivers. Although Butler did venture out towards Richmond during the action at Chester Station, once the Howlett Line was formed his troops stayed at Bermuda Hundred. Of course Grant was crossing the James at this time after a resounding defeat at Cold Harbor and had his sights set on Petersburg. The rest as they say is history but The Howlett Line held Butler at bay while Lee moved the bulk of the ANV into a defensive position at Petersburg. After the Battle of Drewery's Bluff and the breakthrough at Petersburg the troops (Ransom's and others) abandonded the line and joined the march towards Danville that ended in Appomattox. Sometimes I wish all y'all could come for a visit here in Virginia and let me take you to all the hallowed ground that is so near me. And just a side note.......Saturday we will be celebrating my birthday and shooting my iron six pounder on private land that is part of Gaines Mill and Cold Harbor Battlefields. I'll tip a glass in honor of all you fine fellows.

Keith