Oct 18^th

 

                                                                                                            Oh I almost forgot to tell you that we were to be relieved that the command of the Post has already been turned over There are three companies the 30^th U.S. colored troops in town and I expect to give up my situation to a black Sergt some time to day It will be four months tomorrow since I came here four hot and sickly months and now that it is getting cool and comfortable they are going to put the colored troops in and send us some where else probably up into the country

 

            You had better believe the citizens are mad because the town is to be occupied by colored troops they got up a petition signed by all tro could sign it in which they very humbly requested that the present garrison might be allowed to remain they said every thing they could say to try and influence the authorities /

 

            The Petition was a very strong and able article written by the first lawyer of the town but I hardly think it will have any effect so far as keeping us here is concerned though it may influence the commanding general to relieve the colored troops

 

            The citizens hate the sight of the blacks it hurts them to think that these fellows who were once their slaves can walk about the town as big as any body now they hate all the blacks but the black soldier worst of all. Some of the citizens met a couple of black soldiers on the sidewalk last night they could not pass each other with out a quarrel and in the end one of the blacks got cut so badly with a knife that he is not expected to live I expect there will be open war between them after we leave

 

            Do you live near Mr Scribners place or near any place that I have ever been

 

            If I knew your direction perhaps you might get this sooner but I dont know of any Post Office nearer than that at / Mt Vernon and I will send it in care of father so I suppose they will read it before you get it

 

            I guess I have written enough for this time for it wont do to write all I know at once though it wont take much more paper to hold it all however two sheets of paper in one letter will do very well and good I should fill this all out it would not amount to anything Answer this soon

 

give good measure and Believe me to

 

be as ever                    Your loving brother

                                                J Blake

 

[upside down]                                                                         [verso]

 

Tow front furnished                                                    Elias Farnham

Lodging Rooms to let

up one flight                                                               Twen Tow

                                                                                    Furnished Lodging

                                                                                    Rooms to let, up one

                                                                                    flight Enquire of

 

                                                                                    Tow front

                                                                                    Lodging

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