New Berne N.C.

Feb'y 23^rd 1865

 

            Mother,

Dear    Father,

            Sallie,                                                                                                  Your letters have all been received, except Sallies answer to my last. That will make its appearance in a few days. Meanwhile I am waiting—and running Dist. office in the absence of Capt Judson who has gone to Fort Fisher for a few days.

 

We are all very much excited about the news from Sherman. How he is staving along! Well, the sooner he gets up here, the sooner we will have to start up and meet him. I believe Goldsboro / is designated as the place of meeting. The latest arrangement is for Genl. Harland to command one of two Divisions from here. So I shall see field-service again. I forgot to say that Genl Palmer has also gone to Ft Fisher, and I sign "By command of Brig. Genl. Thomas Francis Meagher"—the Irish Exile &c. He is a funny specimen—More of an orator than soldier, I guess. Possibly more of a tippler than either.

 

            We had quite a noisy day yesterday. Salutes, Parades, Bands, and a smashing Party. My enjoyment of the whole was / marred by the oft-recurring thought that it would have been my poor Ward's twentieth birth-day How many things suggest thoughts of him!

 

            I have at last had a photograph taken and enclose one, that you may see how fast my hair grows. I forgot that I had a white necktie on, and the effect thereof is not remarkably good. It was however my chief design to have portrayed the particular spot just below my nose, and in that respect the effort may be considered a success. Frank writes that he has been ordered to New York. I'm very glad for him. He wants me to come on, but I can't think of such a thing yet awhile. Give my love to him, and tell him how / I should enjoy seeing him, and that I hope to do so before he goes to the Mediterranean.

 

            I'm sorry you worried so about me. I was negligent about writing—though very busy. Will you ever learn that No news is good news?

 

            You cannot suppose that Gen. Harland would neglect to write if anything should happened to me? Unless I were lost entirely, and all my friends were in the same fix, you would certainly hear of any mishap to me, very quick. Try to realize that, my dear friends and don't give yourselves any unnecessary anxiety about

 

Your aff son & brother

Charlie.

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