Excuse my bad writing for I am

in a hurry and the boat is

unsteady.

 

Steamer Co.at.za.coal.cos

Chesapeake Bay, April 23 /61

 

Dear Edith,

                        We are now lying in Chesapeake bay, waiting the arrival of of the rest of the fleet consisting of the Harriet Lane and two others names unknown, containing the volunteer companies of N.York. The steamer Baltic is lying here with us. we proceed directly to Washington. Last night we run into Hampton Roads, toward Norfolk, Virginia, but received orders to proceed go back we were somewhat startled by the appearance of a steamer making directly for us, we were called together and armed and stationed ready for action / when we were spoken, and informed that the Navy yard at Norfolk had been burnt by the unionists. The steamer proved to be the Yankee of N.York and contained a U.S. Officer and was informing the fleet. we lay in Hampton Roads all night arriving there at sunset, weighed anchor for Washington. We have had a very pleasant trip and are on the next fastest steamer in the fleet, the Baltic being the first. the rest are some 15 miles back. I was sea sick a very little though sick enough to vomit I am very well indeed and the weather is very pleasant. in all probability we shall land in Washington today Immediately after landing I shall write you and give you directions 

 

I hope you are well and in good spirits and hope you will keep up and make yourself comfortable and make your visits and I shall think of you always, and make it my duty to write you often. The whole regiment of R.I. on board are in excellent spirits and hold themselves in readiness at a moments warning. It was object of Colonel Burnside to try the men when that steamer hove in sight that gave us the news and every man was at his post, excepting those that were very seasick, and ready to do his work. The officers of the to Rifle Comp have the confidence of their men at heart, and can trust them, and will stand by them at the last, and they know that we will stand by them We have them in strict discipline / And The rest of the R.I. regiment will start immediately suppose this steamer will take them from N.Y. I suppose. we came on board last Sunday, and it was a great day then.

 

We had to leave 2 of our officers at home to come on with the rest and they felt so bad that they cried like children.

 

Now I have not got any more time to write and have hurried in this that I have not written it plain but I will write again soon and give you the particulars accept my Love and my heart will be with you always, and take good care of yourself and my Boy, and you will have my best wishes. I have not time to write to Father to day but will do so soon. I mailed 2 letters Sunday in N.Y. one for you and one for Father.

 

            Accept the Love of your devoted Husband and he will lay him down for your life and protection

                                                                       

Yours with love

A.G. Bates

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