Co I 11^th N.H.V.

Newport News Va Feb. 15/1864

           

Dear Sister Mary

                                                I expect you are getting anxious to hear from me. One week ago I was one of the grand "Army of the Potomac" "stuck fast in the mud" at Falmouth—and every prospect ahead of remaining there for the next six months,—But the scene suddenly changed. Sunday morning we had orders to get ready three days rations and prepare to move at one hours notice. Monday morning we struck tents before daylight and our baggage was loaded on to teams. At 9 a.m. we marched to the depot and went by rail to / Acquia Creek thence by transport here. I came on the schooner "West Dennis", took us about 36 hours to run down as we were towed by the Steamer "Louisiana" along with two others, which prevented making very fast headway.

 

            Arrived opposite Fortress Monroe in the night of Tuesday and in the morning the frowning battlements of the fort lay almost beneath our bows. I should think it would be utterly impossible for a ship to pass unless they were willing. The huge guns point in every direction, some of them the largest I ever saw. The great "Union Gun" can be seen mounted on the beach behind a fortification of sand. It would seem as though the monster might tear a vessel all to pieces at one shot. I don't see how they ever cast such a gun—as it is mounted, a man standing beside it, looks like / an infant beside a common barrel.

 

            I don't believe there is large enough navy in the world to take the fort. Wednesday forenoon we made sail and came over here and immediately disembarked.

 

            This is by far the best place we have been in since leaving Concord, and the men who have worn long faces for the last month are bright as a dollar now. In the first place there is no mud the ground is perfectly dry and hard a sandy soil which is much better for a camping ground. Again, provisions are cheap and plenty. Everything we want can be bought at a reasonable rate oysters are very plenty and only 50 cts. per bushel. Already I have had six or eight oyster stews they are very nice too, being fresh from the water. Sutlers and peddlers are as thick as bees.

 

All the 9^th Army Corps are here and / nearly all the third. The 10^th N.H. in Getty's Division is in barracks not forty rods off. Eddie Melvin I see almost every day he looks well and soldiering appears to agree with him—Makes a good soldier, perhaps a little lazy occasionally. Lucius Holmes is prompt and really a good fellow. I think we shall have a nice time here. There are five bands of music and the evenings are enlivened by their strains. The 9^th Corps has more bands than any other in the Army. Newport News was formerly a very small place but is a lively business place now. Steamers and schooners are coming and going all the time. Anchored in the bay close by are the "Galena" "Monitor no 3" and several other iron clads the rebel "Merrimac" is expected daily. But shall have to give an account of these and Fort Monroe in my next, for must close this. I hear the drums beating now for Inspection.

 

Do write me often for letters are worth their weight in gold here

 

Much love to Edwin, Lydia and all the rest

                                                                       

Au Revoir

Your aff Brother            Cha^s

 

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P.S.      Just got letter from Lydia. As she wants my photograph I'll send it for I always go for accommodating the ladies when I can, though I am astonished that any one should desire my phiz

 

There is one condition on which she can have it—viz. that I must have hers in return. Make that promise therefore and be sure and get it for me together with your own. Now Mae please send me two pictures in your next for you don't know how much I prize photographs out here. Oblige me in this and I'll be your aff brother forever—

                                                                                                                                   

Charlie

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