Cha^s—Ap. 20/64                                

Head Quarters, Sub-District of the Pamplico.

Washington, N.C., April 20^th 1864.

 

Dear Father:

                        I have not heard from home in a long time, and have written several times. Still I do not quite give you up yet, and will send an additional line by to-day's boat. We are at present living in a very unpleasant manner. For the past twenty-four hours we have been expecting that each moment as it came would bring with it the clash of resounding arms, and the booming of hostile cannon. Yesterday Gen Peck sent us heavy reinforcements, and a first-class iron-clad, with the information that on Sunday the rebel Genl. Pickett was in front of New Berne with all his force and was to attack us here yesterday (Tuesday). He hasn't come yet, but I trust we shall not be kept in suspense much longer. Plymouth was Tuesday Monday morning at half past three, and there has been occasional firing since. We can hear the guns distinctly. We have heard no news except what the cannon have given. As long as we hear them, we shall conclude that the garrison holds / out. When Gen. Peck sent the new troops here he did not know that Plymouth was threatened, and it is thought by Gen H. that they should have been sent to P. rather than here. We are quite confident that Plymouth will hold its own. We are very strongly fortified here, and shall make a good fight if attacked. You will learn the results by the papers. I suppose Sallie has got home, and is getting reconciled to country life again. When her mind gets entirely composed I shall expect to hear from her. I got three or four lines from Frank by last boat enclosing a letter from Wesson. Will he write again, or has he gone to sea? I hope he may be successful in his efforts for position of A.A.PayM^r I trust Mother is quite well, and having no more headaches. I am entirely well, much better than I shall be when warm weather comes. It has been cold and rainy for three weeks, but has cleared off permanently I hope. Give much love to the family, and accept the same yourself from

 

Y'r aff son                   Charlie—

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Please give the enclosed letter to Abner, from Griffin. He sends love to you all including Winnie & Desire—

C

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