On Board Steamer Moderator March 15^th 1863

 

Dear Malvina

                        It is with pleasure I set down to adress you a few liens to let you know wher I am and that I am right side up that is am well & hearty and my greatest desire is that you are all enjoying the same blessing I have writen you several letters since out on this expedition and have received but one from you stating that our little Samuel had been very sick but I hope he is well again. we are at present laying close to a Rebel Fort I Beleive it is called Green Wood our forces Bombarded it yesterday we had three guns on land and two gun Boats the Barron Decalb and the Chilacothe two of our best Gun Boats our Regiment was ordered out to suport the Batery we wer in the woods within a halfe mile of the Fort I stood within fifty yards of the gun Boats during the fight but I was behind a tree all of us Infantry hunted for trees the larger the better I assure when the fight commenced it was terrible to hear them ratling Cannon Balls and shell ratling through the Woods tearing down trees and knocking off limbs from the trees some times over our heads and all around us but not a man of our Regiment was hurt but one thing certain we done some good dodging the gun Boat Chilacothe was hit thirty four times but not materily injured the Decalb was also hit several times /

som of our guns shoot Balls weighing over a hundred pound we have got a mortar here that throws shell as large as a halfe Bushel measure. we use it ocasionly to amuse the Rebels by throwing a shell in to there Camp. they have got some good large Cannon and they use them devlish well too the Chilacothe had four men killed and thirteen wound by one of there shots how maney was killed on the Fort we do not know our men done good shooting and knocked some of there large guns out of sight so that they wer silenced there is a large force coming down the River to join us from Helena then those Rebels will have a buisy time on hands but I beleive as soon as we get more men they will leave in double quick time. the Boys are enjoying them selves first rate I will write to you when ever I can get an oportunity presents to send a letter up the River yours

 

            most affectionately

                                                S J Keller

 

            Mrs M E Keller

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