PBA Galleries

8-pp., on two 4-page lettersheets. 19.5x12 cm. (7¾x4¾").

Long letter from a sailor in the Union navy engaged in blockade duty, to his father. In part: " I feal as though I must write Sunday's although I have not much to write about... last Friday The Splendid Clipper Ship Pompero right from N York I belive with Coal came in.  we are to take 400 tons of coal and have in most a 100.  I hope it will be the last I shall see come in.  if the R. Island does not com(e) here before the 25th I shall expect to hear from [war (?)]  discharge.  but if before that time I shal not look for it.  we have to help coal but they do not work nights or they have not.  and they coal in boats so it is not so hard for us as it was the last time, but still we are no better saisfied (satisfied) and if I do not get my discharge I shall be disappointed. .. we have to go on deck every morning and help wash, but do not care so much about it if the weather is warm as it is now, but in cold days it will be disagreable, but I hope that my time here is short, and hope the war will be short also.  but I dont know.  I dont know what to think. our side seem to be doing well now... I have seen shots fired from our battery at 1000 yds and I tell you they came so near the mark I should not have liked to have been there.  I should wonder if Mobile had to take it next.  this vessel brought the news that 3000 of Butlers devision had landed at Ship Island.  it would not take half the number of ships to take Fort Morgan and Gaines that it did at Beaufort.  there is 20 feet of water up the bar and once in side of Fort M. or rather inside of the harbour they must all be taken prisioners... if our [prise (?)] is sold and devided amongest the three ships (and I dont see why she will not be as she is a lawful prize) I will not take less than $100.00 for my shares..." Complete transcript available on request.