Washington N.C.

April 23^rd 1864.

1 P.M.

 

Dear Father:

                        I have time to write a line by a steamer which is just leaving to bear dispatches to Genl. Peck. Plymouth has fallen, the whole garrison captured, and the rebel ram in possession of the Roanoke river. We have had no fight here yet, except a slight skirmish with the enemy's pickets yesterday afternoon. Of course we are looking for an attack. If it comes, I think we can stand it, certainly if the Ram does not come. At Plymouth the lower portion of the town was defended only by our gunboats, when the Ram dispersed them. the enemy's infantry making a feint in front, charged through the lower line, and took the town. This happened Wednesday morning at daybreak. Deserters and Refugees report that the rest of the day was spent in butchering our North Carolina soldiers and the Negroes. The part of our line which the Ram will play upon is our strongest point. We are very sanguine of successful resistance, and are only afraid that Genl Peck will send us an order to evacuate. This he would probably do if New Berne should be attacked. We prefer to fight / here if at all. A Reconnaissance in force will be sent out this afternoon, and we shall see what is in front of us.

 

I will write by every boat that leaves, and you may rest easy about me until you hear something definite

 

Give much love to Mother, and tell her that the very worst she has to fear is that her son will spend the summer in Sibley, like the officers of the 16. C.V. who were at Plymouth. But even this is doubtful—very.

 

With love to all the family

            I remain

                        Yr aff son

                                    Charlie—

 

[overleaf]

 

Cha^s Ap 23/64

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