Flag St^mr "Philadelphia"

Charleston Harbor S.C.

May 23d 1865

 

            Well Sis, I sit down with nothing to answer, nothing to write.

 

I will try and do something however, as the mail is expected to leave tomorrow. I have received two bundles of papers since my last writing, one of them last evening. They still furnish me with reading, late old to be sure if I was home, but late and interesting to me here.

 

            I suppose we had the news of the capture of the "Old Woman" before you, one of my mates woke me up one morning—the morning he started north—to tell me of it, and I am sure there was no more sleep after that. I scarsely / believed it at first, but I soon seen it was the subject of a short General Order from the Admiral, in connection with the Rebel Ram Stonewall being at Nassau. I would give considerable for his picture in his most suitable costume and the one he naturally put on before going to Washington among those who knew his worth. It is unnecessary to ask what will be done with him. There is only one thing to be done that suits him, and will satisfy every one else. I think he will be considered by President Johnson, as one of those who have halled down the American flag & fired on our vessels.

 

            We have seen the picture of Sergt. Corbett who made that great miss, and unintentional shot at Booth, now I should like to see the picture of the Yankee who was low minded enough as to look at an old womans boots to see / if the Hon. Jeff was not in them. I think he is eaqually intitled to his place in the Harpers. no doubt he will get it. Many of the Charleston people, particularly the ladies, pretend not to believe that their President was caught in that manner, and console themselves that it is only a Yankee yarn.

 

            The Ram Columbia started from this Harbor last evening for the north manned by the "Harvest Moon's" crew and commanded by Lieut. Haywood, and I believe the "Vanderbilt" is to convoy her. She is quite a formidable looking vessel and considering the kind of vessel has very comfortable quarters for the men. The Rebs had great faith in her, and tryed hard to raise her after sinking untill the evacuation when they made a feeble attempt to destroy her. I think she will prove a valuable prize.

 

            Sec. Welles is expected in / this Harbor now every day on a visit, which is to extend I understand all along the coast. The weather here now is getting very warm and laying in the Harbor where we are prevented from getting a considerable amount of air, the heat is becoming quite oppressive. In the city it is much warmer than on the vessel.

 

            The only plentifull thing in the town is blackberries which can be had for a few cents per qt. There are some strawberries but they are not so plentiful. The market is filled with all kinds of vegetables, peas in abundance. These things come from the country. Now since a line of steamers is established between this & N. York I judge we will be able to get mails more regular than we have for a short time past.

 

            I will say Sis before closing that you need not be surprised if you do not hear from me so regular for remember summer is here, and its accompanying complaints has come.

 

I still am as usual, well.

Charley.

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