Charlestown Sept 12^th/65

 

Sis:

            It is now about a week since I received yours of the 4^th and I suppose by this time you think I am off to sea.

 

            You say Papa has been to see Mr Stevens about getting me descharged. There is no doubt but if he makes the attemp I will get it, and that is the only means at this time by which I could get it. As to my going to sea I do not, now, think it a likely thing at all, for the vessels that are being sent out from here are going on long cruises and / they want men on them that have considerable time to serve so as to prevent the difficulty of changing the crews while out. So as they have plenty of recruits at Washington (something like three or four hundred) I do not think my chances of being sent are very great. The "Powhatan" took a guard on board from Washington the other day, and there will be a couple more wanted in a few days and if I am not sent in then I will not expect to be sent atall.

 

            Last Saturday there was quite an exciting time in the Yard caused by the launching of the Frigate "Guerriere" which was a complete success. It was truly a sight to me being the first launch I had ever seen. Seats where fixed for spectators and long before the hour every place / where any thing could be seen was filled, making several thousand people. her deck was covered and the constructor's daughter of the Brooklyn N. Yard, by the aid of her father, broak the bottle, and named her the "Guerriere". She is a splendid moddle of a vessel, is three hundred and thirty some feet long and is expected to be the fastest man of war afloat. She will be taken on the dry dock & fited out here. They are building another just like her and two other sloops, also a monitor after the moddle of the "Monadnock", that has been so successful in going to Europe, and the "Agamenticus" that is now laying at the Yard here. So there is four new men of wars now building here after the most improved moddle of vessels, which shows our Uncle though / apparently quiet yet is not idle.

 

            I received a letter from Harry yesterday and was glad to hear of the encouragement he was receiving.

 

            In regard to getting my descharge, if such a thing should happen I will require some money, for I think I can do better either here or in N.York buying my clothes than I can in "Phila." So if it should become certain you will please ask Papa, if he can spare it, to forward me enough to fit me out.

 

            I see that Phila. is now represented here in the shape of Signor Blitz. I have not been to see him yet but intend going this evening if I can.

 

            I was glad to hear you where perfectly well again.

 

            I am still well & will try to keep so

                                                                                   

Charley.

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