New Berne North Carolina

                                                                                                Saturday Eve Apr 25^th 1863.

 

My Very Dear Wife

                                    I had the pleasure today of receiving a letter from you dated Apr 15^th one from Sarah of 13^th inst and one from May 16 inst. The reading of them all gave me much pleasure although it was sad to see such evident markes of wearing anxiety in Sarah’s letter. I am glad that probably before this she knows how much better her husband is. He continues to improve steadily but slowly of course after such a sickness. He walked down to our house this morning. He is in good spirits now and that is a great help to him. His cough is better and he raises but little now.

 

His regiment no longer do provost duty in the city their place has been supplied by the 44^th. I am sorry for the change. The 45^th are going into camp about a mile from the city on the other side the Trent. Their hospital will not be moved for a week or two

 

            Dr Stone was in our office yesterday. he told me that he hoped to make arrangements so as still to preach in the city in the afternoon. I do hope he will, but we shall loose him at our evening meetings I suppose. The 44^th have a unitarian chaplin. I have made some pleasant / acquaintances in the 45^th. I think I wrote you that Theo Fisher is assistant surgeon in the 44^th. I have not met him yet. I think he knows I am here, but as I am not sure as he would care to be recognized by a private I shall wait untill I have an opportunity to meet him accidentally before I make myself known to him, and not then unless I think it would be pleasant for him. Rank goes a great way here. An Assistant Surgeon ranks as first Lieutenant.

 

            It seemed a little funny to us to read your expressions of anxiety for us (which were all quite natural) when we hadn’t thought of being anxious for ourselves. You know before this that all cause for anxiety is removed at least so far as we know

 

I dont think the rebs have shown themselves very smart in their movements about here. I wrote you of the return of the 5^th in my last. The boys are very glad of rest.

 

I do not think there will be much more marching this spring in this department, but if any thing can be done that will amount to anything I think the men are ready for it.

 

            We were paid off day before yesterday. The allotment roll is regarded this time. I suppose forty dollars will get round to you sometime, not for a while though I guess. When it comes it will come to the treasurer of Medway. I received the ballance of 4 months pay (twelve dollars) I think I will return the bill you sent me with a little interest as I do not think I shall need it though much obliged to you for it. I have had but little pocket money for a time but have had all I needed. If a man is well he does / not need much money here. Some had run in debt to the sutler nearly all their wages when they were paid off. Our mess saved enough on our rations last month to amount to two dollars apiece. It was quite help to us. We lived well enough too.

 

And now the sad part of my story. The Providence of God has again come very near us. I wrote of the death of Mr Means and that the business now devolved upon his brother. That brother has already followed him to the spirit world. Last Wednesday morning he left us to accompany Mrs James to Beaufort, where she wished to go to try a change of air for her child which was not well. He intendended to return the next eve.

 

They reached B. safely and he retired at the usual time at night in as good health as usual. The next morning he did not come down to breakfast. on going to his room they found him partly on the floor and partly on the bed unconscious as soon as he had been got into bed Mrs James went in. He knew her asked after her child and then called “Jane Jane” (his wife) those were the last words he spoke. He became unconscious again and remained so untill midnight when he ralied again seemed to know them but could not speek. He soon sank away and died at quarter past one. They call it a fit of Apoplexy.

 

            I had a very pleasant talk with him Wednesday morning before he went away which I shall now have to remember. As I was bidding Mrs James good bye he came along and told her I was a dear Christian man and he loved me very much. She replied that / that she learned to love me by his brother death bed. It is foolish perhaps for me to speek of this but I could not help but feel pleased at the time and now that he has gone it is a great satisfaction to me to know that he was satisfied with what I had tried to do. The remark seemed singular as he made no profession of Christian principle himself We do not know what might have been done in those last conscious moments after he could not communicate his thoughts We remember the thief upon the cross and hope.

 

The nephew who went home with the body of Mr James Means is expected back by the next boat. Mr Robt Means will be sent home by this one now in. He leives a widow in Exeter N.H.

 

I am now left alone in the office. A Mr Cross is doing a part of the business. I put off all I can untill a new Supt is appointed. I understand today that Mr James will be offered the place. I hope he will accept. I think he will. He is still at Plymouth but is expected back in a few days. How strange this Providence seems. God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform

 

            I was ever so much glad to have you write that you thought your health improving. I am glad you take the air considerably. It will do you good. Dear Eddie. I was glad to hear that you was better of your cold papa does want to hug you tonight very much. Be a good boy and help Mama get well all you can.

 

Tell Mary that I was very glad to hear that little May was recovering. Her sickness must have been very trying.

 

You must have enjoyed the visit from Caroline and the girls of which you wrote. I have almost forgotten to write that my health is excelent Continue to weigh over 170 lbs.

 

I am sorry I gave you uneasiness by writing that I had not heard from you for a time Mustnt be troubled about that as letter sometimes get delayed for a few day somewhere and then come round

 

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Very much love and a good night kiss           Charles

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