Former Mattapany resident 'Zarvona' featured in upcoming history books

By THERESA HOPKINS
Environmental Public Affairs

Unless you're relatively new to the Naval Air Station, you've probably heard of '`Mattapany," the 18th-century residence which is now home to the Commander of the Aircraft Division.

Nearby is the location of Charles Calvert's 17th century homestead. Calvert was Third Lord Baltimore of the Maryland Colony. Archaeological research, started in the 1980's, has uncovered the foundation of Calvert's house as well as the colonial armory on the site.

"Mattapany is an Algonquin Indian word meaning a meeting of two rivers or the meeting of a river and a path. The land here is between the Chesapeake Bay and Patuxent River, and it's also on the path to St. Mary's City, Maryland's first colonial capital, that “according to Dr. Julia King, Southern Maryland Regional Archaeologist.

The rich cultural and historic background of Mattapany continues to be uncovered; as yet another former resident is being researched by Peter Milne, an English author who has written other historical accounts.

Milne is researching for his book "Confederate States Zouaves" which covers the exploits of Zouave units in the Civil War.

"What is a Zouave," (pronounced zoo-ave) you ask?

The word originated in North Africa where it was a style of colorful military uniform. The uniform was adopted by French regiments after they enlisted local tribesmen who wore these uniforms in Algeria. It then became synonymous with the French regiments and they were called Zouaves.

Zouave Colonel Richard Thomas was once a resident of the Mattapany mansion that is now home to the commander of NAWCAD. Thomas' family acquired the property in 1840 and lived there until 1932.

During the first year of the Civil War, Thomas, a Confederate, raided Federal ships on the Chesapeake and its tributaries. One twist though, he dressed as a woman on these raids. Under the pseudonym Madam La Force, Zarvona itself a pseudonym which Thomas claimed was the name of his French girlfriend, Thomas boarded Federal ships as "the French lady" speaking broken English.

His female impersonation was good enough to fool the commander of the Federal steamer St. Nicholas. Zarvona and his men were able to capture the steamer and two smaller ships loaded with provisions. Thomas was hailed a confederate hero. He and his men called themselves "privateers." However, the Federal government saw it as an act of piracy, punishable by death.

Thomas was not as lucky on his second raid in late 1861. One of the officers aboard his next target, the Mary Washington, had also been on the St. Nicholas. Thomas was captured and first taken to Ft. McHenry in Baltimore but later moved to Lafayette prison in upstate New York. While there, Thomas attempted an escape. The prison was surrounded by water, so Thomas, who couldn't swim, stuffed his clothing with floating objects and this hampered his escape. He was recaptured and put in a cell without windows. In 1863 he was released in poor health, on the condition that he not participates further in the war effort.

According to Milne, Thomas's mother died in 1870. Richard and his brothers disagreed on how to divide the property, and Richard Thomas sued in 1873. Records refer to him at that time as Zarvona. Richard Thomas died in 1875 either at Woodbury near Mechanicsville, or the home of his younger brother, James.

The author visited Mattapany last week to take pictures and gather more information. Escorted by Doug Lister, from the Public Works Department Natural Resources Branch and Dr. King, Milne walked the grounds that Richard Thomas once called home.

Milne hopes to publish his book by the end of the year.