New Berne

July 16^th 1864

 

Dear Father,

                        Sallie's letter with the bundle came safely to hand. The "Invaders" hadn't begun their work on the Pa. and Wilmington R.R. then. I enclose the amount of postage on the package.

 

The news up north seems quite exciting now, but the 6^th & 19^th corps have gone to Washington, and I guess it is safe. To-day we have news that Lee has evacuated Petersburg and taken up a position on the Danville R.R. It is, if the report be true, but another / towards the last ditch. it is not probable that any of the rebels who are not north now will ever go there except as prisoners or civilians. The army, so far as I have observed it is very confident of success.

 

            It is pretty hot here, but persons like Genl H. & myself who have nothing to do, are not uncomfortable. The nights are cool, and with mosquitoe nets we sleep well. I have received one letter from Frank. He was on the Vermont, the New Hampshire not having arrived. In the matter of clerks, he seems to have taken coals to Newcastle.

 

Mothers letter has never been received here. I am very, very sorry, but hope she will not be discouraged. I shall write / next time to her—a sort of answer to hers. I saw an official announcement of your degree—you now probably believe it. How does E^d. A. seem to like it. I was shocked to see the death of one of my Academy schoolmates—Miss Jannie Webb—Her little sister must be very lonely now. What do you hear from the children? Griffin didn't come to time at Fortress Monroe per agreement so I have one less mouth to feed. With much love to self and the family

I remain

Yr aff son

Charlie.

 

[overleaf]

 

Cha^s July 16.64

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