Baltimore        Aug 13

           

Dear Sister,

                                    It is now just a week since my arrival in this place and perhaps you would like to hear from me

 

            You probably heard last week through my letter to Ans. of my getting through safely and for that reason I did not consider it necessary to write again so soon

 

            I had a very pleasant trip out, being lucky enough to meet with an old companion / in arms in Providence an ex member of Co "B" who had the kindness to accompany me as far as New York. From N.Y. I had the pleasure of going alone, but passed the time pleasantly enough and got into Baltimore at four in the afternoon Tuesday

 

Since that time till Friday I have been strolling about the city calling upon old acquaintances though a good many have moved away. I knew some that didnt know me and some knew me that I never knew. There has been a great many changes the old quarters we used to / occupy, Provost Martials Office and slave pen have been demolished and in place of them is a large block of stores taking up the whole space. in the rear where our horses were stabled another big brick block is put up and just beyond another still.

 

            One whole street has been burnt out completely destroying the old commissary building in which we have slept many a night, supposed to be doing guard duty over government property

 

            Last Friday afternoon I took a boat ride down the Chesapeake Bay as far as Onancock, Accomac Co. Va. / a ride of one hundred and sixty miles. I have seen the greatest sweet potato country in the U.S. so the people say, acres and acres are planted to them, the vines completely covering the ground. I think they look better than mine they go in for corn too fields of fifty acres are not uncommon and the man at whose house I staid told me he knew of 150 acres in one field. I went to a camp meeting last Sunday and had a good time. people all carried their dinner.

 

I had all the peaches pears and fruit I could eat and [?] for nothing and Sunday eve walked out with the old man's two girls about a mile out the same back. I started back yesterday at 2 /

 

[front margin upside down]

 

and got into Baltimore this morning at half past four.

                                               

Every body is well      L.C.

SOURCES