On board U.S. Steamer

Merrimac at sea Wednesday

 

Dear Mother

When I arrived at camp yesterday I found all hands preparing to leave. We got ready and marched to the depot and started for Boston at ½ past 2. Before I left I saw John & Frank Davis. We arrived at Boston about 4 oclock and then marched to Battery Wharf where we found the US steamer Merrimac with the 20^th Maine regiment on board waiting for us it about 3 or 4 hours to get the reg^t on board It was about 8 oclock when our company went aboard. Our Co & 1 other had to sleep on deck and / probably we shall have to the remainder of the voyage I believe I would rather sleep here than below for we have fresh air and plenty of it but it is any thing but fresh down there. I slept warm and comfortable last night. We started from Boston at daylight this morning & passed Forts Independence & Warren. We passed quite near the latter and as we did part of the garrison gathered on the ramparts and we exchanged cheers with them. During the day we have passed Cape Cod and saw Provincetown in the distance. It is now about ½ past 4 and we have just passed Nantucket. We sail at the rate of six or seven miles an hour. I have not been seasick as yet. When we first started / the sea was rather rough but it is quite calm now. The vessel is so large that it does not roll very bad. It is about 200 feet long, and from the deck to the water it is as far as from our front chamber window to the ground. It is both sail & steam vessel. There are no guns aboard. Mr Levitt & Ed Allen joined us at Boston. I received a letter from Mary by Mr L. The only explanation I have heard for our going to Washington by water instead of by land is that the railroads are so pressed that they cannot furnish transportation.

 

Thursday Morning

They tell us that we shall touch at Fortress Monroe to-night and if we want to send any letters they will send them / ashore. We have had pleasant weather so far and I have enjoyed the trip much. I have not been the least seasick though a good many of them have.

 

            One man of the 20^th Me regt has had an attack of the delirium tremens. Lemons are in great demand here 10 or 15 cts is cheerfully paid for them. they are good for seasickness. I must close my letter now so as to have it ready in season. I cannot tell you where to direct your letters yet. Mr Wood will send a line in my letter. Good Bye

                                                                                               

From your son

E. W. Stacy.

SOURCES