Screwpiles: The Forgotten Lighthouses

Yours very truly, E.M. Edwards Keeper Note: I can’t see why there would be any objection to this. HM “I do not object to the state survey and do all I can to assist in same.” EME

Yours Very Truly, E.M. Edwards Keeper

(Can’t read the reply of Henry McCrea)

To: Henry McCrea, Comdr. U.S.N.

NRLH

February 3, 1906

To: Henry McCrea

Dear Sir: This station needs a general repairing of Sail Boat, No. 165. Or a new sail yawl, this boat was received by me from Comdr. John Stirling U.S.N. New rear Admiral, Mch 1894. It has had no repairs of any kind. It leaks in the center board will and the well will have to be taken out. This work requires a good mechanic. I also need new boat falls.

Dear Sir:

Your letter of Jan. 24 th Just received In reply I would say it was no fault of mine that the corn shoulder received from Msts Langhamer & Son were unfit for use. And I think he should allow me the cot of it’s rations of beef as the corned pork was its duplicate, the pork was in such a condition we were compelled to throw it away to get clear of its stench, There was only nine very small shoulders duplicating the rations of beef. I think the contracter more able to refund the cost of this pork than that poor L.H. Keepers should pay for unsound food.

Yours very truly, E.M. Edwards Churchland, Va (Ans. Nov. 26, 1905-Get an estimate on repairs-HM)

NRLH December 31, 1905 To: Henry McCrea Comdr U.S.N.

Yours truly, E.M. Edwards Keeper Answered and check forw’d Feb 7

Dear Sir, Acting under your instructions in your letter of Nov 27 th last, I have endeavored to get bids from local workman to repair the Yawl Boat. No 132. I have only rec’d one proposition which I herewith enclose. The gentleman whose bid I send has a railway at Crittenden and is competent to do the work. As to the painting I prefer doing that myself awaiting your orders, and wishing you a happy and prosporous [ sic ] New Year I am

I. D. Parham was assistant keeper at Nansemond River Lighthouse and was not as good of a writer as Edwards.

NRLH February 15,1906 To: Commander Henry McCrea U.S.N.

Yours very respectfully E.M. Edwards Keeper

Sir; If transfer my keeper to ceder pt and any asst. is to be paced here as Keeper I would be pleased to be appointed. I have served more then 5 years in the U.S.N. Nearly three years in the light-house service. Mr. E.M.Edwards will vouch for my efficiansy well as other Nval officers if such are retained. I am very glad of his promotion. If I am appointed I will do my duty.

Lighthouse keepers depended on food delivered by the lighthouse tenders and, apparently, at times the food wasn’t fit to eat. January and February were evidently not good food service months for E. M. Edwards.

Very Respectfully, E.D. Parham asst. HM notes “Must take regular course” April 28,1906 To Light House Inspector, Baltimore Md. NRLH

NRLH

January 1906

To: Henry McCrea

I wrote Josefess E. Longhamer & Son. Balt. On Dec 30 th 1905. Telling them the Shoulder Meat furnished this station Dec. 5 th , in place of the salt beef usually furnished was unfit for use. I have received no reply. So I write to ask must I ship it back. And will the contractor furnish in its place sound and palatable pork.

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