On Board The Phil^a Dec. 3^rd/63

 

            It is now one week Sis since I have writen to you and have received two letters one from Jack & the other from Harry both of the same date, but I received Jack's the 26^th & Harry's with the papers Jack sent me on the day following. They state that you have been in the city for some time, but I suppose you are home by this time so I direct to your or rather address you which is understood to all hands, and a letter from any one is very joifully received and would shurely be answered only it is unnecessary for I have only the one thing to write. It is now December and there seemes nothing to be done yet, nothing with the fleet any how. there are still only four Monitors with the Ironsides, and the prospects for a fight seems as dull as ever. The fleet Capt. Capt Emmens, (as you may have seen), has been ordered North, he left last Monday, & Lieut Commander Bradford of the Nipsic has taken his place, with the well wishes, (I dare say) of all in the fleet that had any thing to do with him. Not that they thought Capt. Emmens was not able for his position, but his rough overbearing maner, caused hard feelings from all. M^r Bradford I have heard or know nothing / about, but appears to be a very nice man. Gen Gillmore still keeps throwing shell slowly over to the differant Rebel bateries, (Sumter receiveing a share) to let them know he has not forgot them.

 

There is a very good report from Unconditional here, which we heard on Monday evening stateing the rout of Bragg, capture of 5,000 men, 40 canon, which caused Morris Island to ring with joy, and brought a smile on the countenance of every true heart. The same evening there was a man brought on board, who called him self a refugee from Savannah, but had been arrested on suspicion of being a spie (or something of the kind) because he had a pass from Secretary of War of Confederates, and allso one from Beauregard to go to Europe on plea that he was a native and his people where in Russia. He was just under surcharge, (as are all such that come on board) untill morning when he was taken before the Admiral, who sent him to Gen. Gillmore, so how he made out I am not able to say. Yesterday flags of different colors with the name of the vessel was flying from every one in the Inlet on account of the victory, which I hope may be better than we have realy heard.

 

Yesterday the Battalion started home yesterday / in the Transport Massachusetts. There going home is as misterious as there comeing, but still there are some changes. They are going home with a new commander, (Col Reynolds) there old one (Major Zeilin) takeing sick was sent home. Some one or two has died, some killed, some transferred aboard vessels here, and about half I suppose is going home in the Transport, and a few by the way of Richmond. I am among those left in the fleet and am very well satisfide, for I am very well fixed here, and if I would of been sent home I have no doubt that I would have been sent out right away again in some ship which I may not have liked so well. We have sent with one of the officers going home for our things which we left behind, but wether we will get them or not will be told by time. I think it is likely we will if they are all well marked, which I know mine are.

 

Since I have been writeing we have got under way, and came out of the Inlet, and the channel leading in to it being filled so since we have been in it that we touch several places comeing out. We are now alongside of the Ironsides. Tell Rosh I think he is learning very fast, that he must keep on going to school every day and must write to me every time that you do. I will remind you again to send me a magazine of any kind or date so it has some good and usefull reading, it will be very carefully read for it is the only way we have to pass the time. The ships library on here is only a few volumes from the Seaman's Friend Society, but what I have read of them are very good books, and I am very thankfull for the use of them.

 

The last few days has been the coldest wether we have had yet makeing ice. The health of the crew is very good no one being laid up in the Hospital but several growling around with cold. As for my self I am not troubled with any thing, not even with a cold which you may think strange, as I do my self. This may satisfie you more than if I would tell you that I am not much exposed. I will now close hopeing you had a pleasant visit.

 

Charley

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