Hatteras Inlet Jan 15, 1862

On board schooner E. W. Farrington

 

My Dear Parents,

                        As I am at it, I'll keep at it, and when I get a chance, then I can send it. This forenoon it cleared up and a great many of vessels which were outside, (I was told there were thirty two by several who counted) set sail and came in with a favorable wind from the southeast. several steamers came in, one the New Brunswick with the rest of the tenth regiment, General Foster and and staff. It is reported that the Zouave steamer, loaded with troops got a hole in her bottom and sank with six companies on board. (but recieves but little credit although it may be too true). It is now stated that we are going to Roanoke Island; there are four forts on the island. thats all I can say about it at present, but shall have a chance to write something exciting in a day or two. This afternoon it has thickend up and now it rains nicely, although / the wind does not blow as it did yesterday and day before; I tell you it was a terrible gale. When I finished my last sheet I was speaking about our boat going out to see the wreck, another thing she picked up was the part of the cabin door a part of which I am now writing on and another piece I send in this letter; thinking perhaps it might be an interesting relic to preserve. I guess I'll get another piece this evening which you may give Lillie if your a mind: if she is home, please give her my directions, if she is not, please send them to her.

 

Jan 16^th.

            Vessels continue to arrive several having come in last night. a schooner near us got on the bar, inside the inlet, which caused her to leak. This morning saw them working the pumps very vigorously. after light they put up a flag of distress; stars and stripes with the union down. it was a long time before any thing went to her. after a while one of the small steam boats went to her but didn't seem to render her any / assistance and soon left her. she lies there just the same. I dont know what they will do. Large quantities of the wreck are floating past this morning as the tide sets in, cot beds, frame bedsteads, pieces of board broken of from vessel. some of the things were picked up one of our men fished up a good cane bottom stool, a window sash with only three lights from out, a pair of life preservers, a cot bed. I saw one of the cabin doors, but they couldn't raise it up. it had a good lock and knobs on. I dont know as I have told the name of the vessel it is the City of New York we saw it the name float past yesterday morning. she was a large screw steamer, was loaded with ordnance stores and is a total wreck.

 

When the New Brunswick came in yesterday she brought in the mail and I was very glad to get a letter and paper from home when we leave here I believe we are to have our letters but I am told they will not be any mail go until Saturday 

 

Last night we had a meeting down in the hold, a real good meeting; to night if we are on board the vessel, we shall have our regular thursday evening meeting.

This is a terrible place to live. next time you go to Port Chester, if you want to get an idea of what kind of a place two hundred men live in just go down to the dock on board of a schooner if there is one there. if there isn't, go on a sloop, down into the hold where they put the freight, and then you'll have a pretty good idea of our place of abode, where we have been now more than a week, most any change would be better than to stay here. but we get along very well considering. I dont know when I shall have a chance to write again, but shall try and have one ready to send by first opportunity

                                                                       

Your aff son (In Dixie)

W. L. Savage

 

Direct the same as before

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