New Berne North Carolina

                                                                                                Tuesday May 5^th 1863.

 

My Very Dear Martha

                                    I sent you a small edition of Johney the other day which seemed to be quite acceptable. I therefore venture to try a larger one. I think it a little too light but the eyes look good and it is so seldom mine do that I thought I would not try again.

 

I hope it will reach you in good condition. I received the letter you wrote from Franklin this morning.

 

I was glad you could visit there. And hope to hear that you had a very nice visit

 

I am sorry that you had been so anxious about my health but am glad that you are trying to feel prepared for anything. My health is now very good. The hot weather does not affect me as I expected it would, in fact—I / am very little exposed to it The house which is used for our office is one of the coolest in Newberne. And the streets are so well shaded that it is not nearly as hot in the city as it is on the sand around it. The hospital of the 45^th is moved over to their camp now so that I do not see Mr Hastings as often as I have done. I was over last Sunday he seemed to be still gaining slowly I doubt if he will get time to write by this mail as we only got it this morning and it returns at noon. But Sarah needn’t feel anxious if she doesnt hear as that will be the reason. The same house is used for their hospital in which I was expecting to be quartered when I was first detailed. It is an old house but well shaded. The 5^th are in their camp now. Got back last Friday. they did not have any engagement, but were fired on once by the enemy. They were quite tired when they got back but were in good spirits. / The 25^th reg returned from Plymouth last night. Mr James came with them. He found the sad news awaiting him that his only child was dead at Beaufort where you remember Mrs J. and Mr Means went for the childs health. Its death was very sudden. It will be a heavy blow to them. Poor Mrs James she has been an angel of mercy here. May she receive the same consolation she has been the means of imparting to others.

 

When Mr J. returns I expect he will assume the duties of the office of Supt of Blacks. I have no doubt he will keep me a while.

 

It has seemed quite strange to me to be left in charge of the office when I came in a stranger a few weeks ago.

 

There are two servants connected with the office who are now under my sole direction, but I shall be glad / to have Mr James here, as everything is now at loose ends.

 

                        Last Thursday (Fast day) there were no services here on account of the absence of Dr Stone who was to have preached. I closed the office in the afternoon and with Wood, Claflin and two others visited the Old Newbern battle field about 5 miles from here. We had a splendid time. I spent the pleasantest afternoon I have seen in Newbern. We went down by the bank of the river walked up the breastworks from the river to the Rail road and home up the R.R. It gave us peculiar sensations to stand on the very ground where so many of our countrymen fell. The position was a very strong one and I do not see why the rebs did not hold it. We did not cross the RR where some of the hardest fighting was, but mean to go again some time. We passed 4 forts on the river bank (now in ruins) which were intended to prevent the passage of our boats up the river as well as to opperate on land forces. One of them mounted 17 guns which fell into our hands. I thought of you often while there and of how much you would enjoy being there too.

 

[overwritten]

I write hurriedly to day as I have but little time. I hope you will be able to read this which I think rather doubtful I think there will be another mail soon. The white flower you asked the name of is dogwood not [?]            With very much love as usual

 

                                                                                    Affectionately Yours

                                                                                                                        Charles

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