Bermuda Hundreds Va

July 11^th 1864

 

My Dear Niece

                        I recd. yours written on the 7^th inst I am glad that you are mindful of me, even when you are enjoying the visits of near & dear friends. Carrie I am very busy now days some how my little taste for copying nature will yet be a big thing for me, I am in possession of a pass at this moment to take me on forbidden ground By command of Gen. Butler where, only think all for a bit of pleasure, you might say, for there is nothing that I can yet call work about it I am only waiting for my dinner and then I take the boat and go across the river to a plantation and I am to take a general view of this side called Bermuda Landing. I am at work for the Provost Marshal Col Fuller. Is this Fuller any relation to that one in Dorset. The Col told me that he would see I was detailed for his orderly so that I could devote my whole time to to drawing 

 

Carrie you see I am in some haste I cannot think of much to write now But as I was waiting for my little boat I thought I would ans you and send you a sketch of this landing taken from this side about a half mile above. I wish I could explain it to you. The first building is our Post Office at the right & I have put in the Christian Commission tents which come little further back by right but I know you are interested in all good things so I put them in at the extreme right. Where you see the big flag is the Provost Marshalls where I am at work still I board with my Company still. But I may be detached altogether which I hope. Our Capt. does not like to have me leave and if his influence is respected I may have to continue as I am only at work for him I have not heard from Charly of late that is for 3 or 4 days I think I shall get a pass to go to Petersburg soon and then I will see him This sketch business will take me most any where In the guard point of Provost are tents and across the way are sutlers both in tents and buildings At the left in the distance is City Point a little flag you will see Our Mail Boat is the square flag Christian Commission at the right in rear of Port Office flag The Barge at the dock is loaded with provisions and other stuff The next is a passenger boat and the next a little tug boat

 

            Dinner is ready and I must go and eat and be off for my pass only extends You will excuse my nervous letter Carrie Give my love to those where you know it would be agreeable

 

            You had a black berry picking on the 4^th I enjoy myself pretty well and all I want to make happiness complete is a woman

                                                                       

Excuse all faults

                                                           

While I remain your very Afft Uncle

Jim

                                               

I will do better than that         Jim, then

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