Near New Orleans La.

May 28^th 1865.

 

Dear Sister Martha,

                                    I sent a letter to Julia a few days ago to inform you I was all right after the great explosion at Mobile, and since we have made an important move I think it proper to give you an early notice. On the afternoon of the same day my last was mailed we received orders to embark on steamboat and five o'clock p.m. found us on the boat Yarascon ready to leave. And before long we were moving down Mobile Bay and with hearts not a little sad to bid adieu perhaps forever the beautiful city of Mobile.

 

            I think I have not left any other place south so reluctantly as Mobile. Becoming a little acquainted I began to hope for many a pleasant time when we were suddenly hurried away. By dark we were fairly through the many obstructions of Mobile Bay, and feeling tired turned into my stateroom early. Next morning when I awoke we were at anchor being unable to make what I believe is called Grant's Pass by dark. But soon we were moving.

 

Several times this day I went to the upper deck to enjoy sight-seeing, but finding each time only low strips of land at a distance I gave up the notion almost entirely and devoted my time principally over a book written by a Georgian and being in brief a history of several Reg^ts from that State, who have been fighting for the misjudged principles of the South. But as we entered Lake Pontchartrain towards sunset I returned in search of scenery. There is a river or channel of a few miles in length connecting the Lake with the Gulf, and as we entered this, which is about four times as wide as the Winooski, we found on either side low flat marshes so characteristic of the southern hem of La. and which at this season is very beautiful for well stocked with coarse tall grass of a lively green. At the outlet of the Lake is Fort Powell, a small but pretty good work I guess, and which / commands finely the low surroundings. It soon became dark so that I saw little of the Lake. The wind blew quite fierce wh. made our river craft creak & bound much to the anxiety of a few. However we reached the head of the Lake—called Lakeport—about 9 p.m. in safety. We remained on the boat that night & next (this) morning debarked and all day have been getting established on ground about three miles from Lakeport & four from N. Orleans. So to-night after getting arranged a little I thought I could not do better than write home. The object of our Div. going to New Orleans—or this place—was to receive some of the stores surrendered by Kirby Smith on Red river, but I understand others have done this job as we did not arrive in season, and that it is quite probable troops whose time soon expires will be mustered out directly. Kirby Smith surrendered the trans-Miss Deprt—the only remaining trace of the Confederacy—to Gen. Canby at New Orleans on the 25 of May at 4 p.m. So we can say that on that date the war between North & South closed. The war has really ended. I cannot realize it, but I know it has, and that white-robed-peace will soon rest over this country, so long, long, sadly bleeding! We can hope now for much, for we have I trust many blessings out of this awful sacrifice. I trust we are to have hence-forth a more united, a happier, and better nation. The crime of slavery, and the spirit of oligarchy being dead. Each party knowing the other the better, I hope for us a very happy future, so soon as this sad wound is healed. All are abed or going, and I too must follow.

 

            So adieu for about a week, with a hearty love to all. Direct your letters at New Orleans, and write in the corner of envelope in front "if not called for in twenty days return to Martha A. DeMerit Montpelier V^t" so that you may receive them in case I should start North.

                                                                                   

Your dear Brother

John

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