Flag St^mr "Philadelphia"

Charleston Harbor S.C.

May 1^st 1865  

 

            Your letter, Sis, of the 19^th I received on the 28^th, together with the batch of papers, in which I found much to interest me, Although they contained little except particulars of the tragedy which has caused every lover of liberty and friend of America to mourn. Even our stubborn enemy find cause for outward expressions of grief at the death of our lamented late President. Truly they can join in the universal mourning, for by his death they have not only lost their best friend but a great benefactor and that he is a victim to the spirit which they, through deception, have educated and strengthened for a number of years, should to them be a greater cause of sorrow. 

 

Order (51) of the Navy Department has been received and carried out here on the 26^th. I enclose the order together with the one from the Admiral at the receipt of the news which I spoak of in my last I have seen papers of 23d and by them I see the remains of M^r Lincoln where taken past L.P. on the 22^nd. I suppose the train did not stop.

 

It is a satisfaction to know that Sec. Seward is recovering, he would have been a great loss at this time. What a pitty if the assassins should escape. I do not think it likely that they can. I like very much the views our new President holds and expresses a determination to maintain in regard to our presant troubles. It is a relief to know he is not so intemperate as was represented. It should be a cause of rejoicing that he has so great an antipathy to treason and I hope he may carry out his views in regard to it to the very letter. I do not claim to be statesman enough to know / whether it is truly the correct policy but I cannot see where in it is wrong.

 

I was sorry to hear that Sherman offered so liberal terms to Johnson. The latter must surely soon acknowledge what he already knows that he is compleetly wipped. I expect, ere this reaches you to hear of the surrender of their last hope.

 

            The excitement occationed by the mingled joy and sorrow of the good & mournfull news has subsided. Some preparation is being made for the Ram Stonewall but I do not think she will venture so far from home. The Rebel Ram Columbia which was accidently sunk in Cooper River before the evacuation has been raised and they are now giving her the necessary repairs for her trip north. She is expected soon to leave. She is a very strong vessel and will prove a valuable prize. Sec. Welles is expected here to day on a visit but has not yet / arrived.

 

            Ere this reaches you, you will have heard of the circumstance, which has made the past week, since my last writing, the most pleasant one I have spent on the blockade.

 

I will not puff you up with groundless hopes of my getting home now since Charleston has been evacuated for that may appear probable to you. I do not however flatter myself with any thing of kind, but hope I may be thus favored.

 

Hoping Harry will have a pleasant voyage and arrive safely home with the same good health, with which he left this, I close.

 

            I remain well as usual.

             Charley

 

Miss M. E. Leaman

Leaman Place

Lan^c Co

Penna.

           

We have just received a report here from a very good source that Johnson has surrendered and Gen. Sherman & Staff are at P. Royal. What glorious news if only true.

Charley

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