Flag St^mr "Philadelphia"

Charleston Harbor SC.

April 14^th 1865

 

Sis:

                        I have received yours of the 3^d also the batch of papers but I must confess I have not read the latter for the very reason I have had so much news of a later date to ocupy my time. Nevertheless I was very glad to receive them as always, for they are papers I do not often see.

 

            We have heard so much glorious news lately that I can scarcely content myself siting long enough to write you. But as there will a mail leave soon I must try and meet its demands. There is more excitement in this harbor to day than I suppose there has been for years. The ceremonies at the fort are not over yet at least the party / has not returned from that place. The Flag was raised at one o'clock when the saluting from the fort, the fleet and the remaining forts commenced and in a few minutes the fort fleet and all was hiden with the smoke. The forts was crowded with guests and I never seen so much bunting displayed as I have this day on the vessels. here all nations is represented and all manner of flags are flying except the rag that reigned here this day four years. We could see the flag being raised very plainly from this vessel. I would have liked much to have been at the fort although I was not disappointed in not being there for it is something I did not expect. The occation was the subject of several general orders by the Admiral, of which I enclose two which will give you an idea to some extent of the preparation in the fleet. Senator Willson took breakfast with the Admiral. The Admiral with fleet Capt. proceeded to the fort on the "Santiago de Cuba" which had / just arrived in the Harbor with Sec. Fox and others. There was a large number of transports left the wharfe for the fort and all where crowded with gentlemen a number of ladies but not many in proportion to the crowd. most all the transports had bands or portions of bands on board which played national airs on the way down but I can not compliment them much on their excellent music. The "Oceanus" arrived last evening with the glorious news of the capture of Lee. she brought N.Y. papers of the 10^th with the official news and I can assure you it was not long before all heard the news, before she struck the wharfe it was all over the Sqd fleet for she sung it out as she passed along, and in a few mins the papers where on board to the Admiral and this morning we seen in the "Courier" the official correspondence of Lee, Grant /

 

If I had been home last night I do not think I would have slept much, I did not sleep very much as it was for I derived more nurishment from the news, than either sleep or the Charleston dinner I had yesterday would give me.

 

The War is Over. I can not find words to express my gratitude. What a blessing if it had never commenced, but as the Government was able to stand the shock it may prove to be the greatest blessing that could be confered upon us. I feel like asking many questions such as how will Davis make his exit secure. If he and his chums remain what is their own opinion should be done with them. I think if they would receive the punishment which their own conscience would dictate it would be as severe as any one could ask. I do not suppose it will be very long before there will not be an armed rebel, or an armed force of Rebels at least. The party have now returned from Sumter and are returning to the city where to night there will be a jubilee among the officers I dont know who will be the guests but of course all the distinguished that can be presant. There is also going to be church in city this evening whether the Rev. Beecher will speak or not I have not learned. I would like much to hear him and if / he preaches in town here and I can possibly get to hear him I will certainly do it. I would be a great treat to hear the man speak at least I think so at all event to hear him speak unmolested in Charleston S.C. is enough to excite ones curiosity with out any thing else.

 

            I have been in the city several times since my last writing and for something to pass the time more than any thing else I called in to see the Sisters of Charity to see if they new any thing of any of my acquaintances who where taken at Sumter but as they kept no record they did not remember seeing those I enquired for. If they did see any of them however it is not likely they would could remember them for they cared for so many it would be impossible They talked very free and gave me some heart rending accounts of the sufferings of our prisoners especially those who came from Andersonville and all they could do for them relieved them but little. Speaking of those from Andersonville / who where cept on the race course with out shelter of any kind not even clothing while they where cept there they say they could scarcely set down to eat for thinking of the want of those men. They where not only in need of comforts but starvation had almost deprived them of their minds. They had not one thought left but how to get something to eat. Not one single thought of home or friends or death. They speak very highly of most all our men and the officers they term all educated gentlemen. Notwithstanding all they have done for our men and the kind manner in which we are treated when calling there for information of the kind they are able to give, yet you can see in their conversation that they do not consider the South altogether wrong, but of course it is not their desire to have war.

 

            It is just sundown and while I am writing a national salute from the fleet is being fired and the buntings halled down. To night I believe there is to be a display of signals rockets and lanterns. In the Express you sent me of the 25^th I seen a notice which I enclose and for the information of some with me as well as myself I would like you to send me the "Bounty Bill" mentioned or if not, or if you have not a copy of the Bill an explanation of it will do. There are some Penna. men here who are ancious to know. As we do not get all the proceedings at the Capitol at Harrisburg we are not informed.

 

I have not heard from Harry since my last writing.

 

            I am well.

           Charley.

 

Miss M. E. Leaman

            Leaman Place

                        Lan^c Co

                                    Penna.

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