Flag St^mr "Philadelphia"

Charleston S. Carolina

April 6^th 1865

 

Sis:—

            I have heard nothing from you or Harry since my writing you eight or nine days since. But as there is a transport leaving P. Royal, with the mail, tomorrow I will write you but a few lines with the expectation that she will pick up the mail here as she passes which is generally the case.

 

            There is nothing doing of much importance here since the Gun boat Cambridge getting aground on a bar in the Ogeechee River was disabled needing considerable repairs. They have commenced pumping out one of the rams laying off the Navy Yard, with the intention of raising her. They are also fixing up a captured torpedo / boat to send north.

 

            On the 31^st ult. the "Santiago de Cuba" arrived from Baltimore with Ast. Sec. G. V. Fox and lady, M^r J. L. Forbes and daughter, M^r Welles, son of the Sec, M^r Green of China, J. C. Nicolay P. Sec. of the President and some others. We where all disappointed at the nonarrival of Sec. Welles, for even the Admiral was expecting him and had all the arrangements made for his reception. Sec. Fox was received with all the honors due. The admiral met him in the St^mr "Wondo" formerly the Blk. runner "Let-her-rip" and came up with him on the "Santiago" on his arrival a salute was fired and all the vessels in the harbor remained trimed with the bunting of all nations untill sunset. In the afternoon the distinguished party visit Fort Sumter and some of the other forts and the following day they visit the city in the morning some of the gentlemen of the party breakfast with the Admiral. 

 

            Late in the evening of the 1^st inst. the "Santiago" leaves for Savannah and from there I understand the intention is to go to Havana and return to this place by the 13^th. It is stated the Sec. is on official business.

 

            I suppose ere I write you again the memorable 13^th of April will be passed and it will have seen the origanal flag wave over the spot where it did four years ago. I understand Sec. Welles will not be presant, but we expect to see a large number of ladies and gentlemen from the North.

 

            To make certain of this going tomorrow I will mail it now and send it to P Royal.

 

I still remain well

Charley.

 

Miss M. E. Leaman

Leaman Place

Lan^c Co

Penna

 

[overleaf]

 

April 6/65

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