Kinston N.C.

March 31^st 1865

 

My dear Mother—

                        Considering the fact that I have written home twice, and heard nothing from home, since we began active operations down this way, I was somewhat surprised to learn by the Bulletin that "considerable anxiety was felt for the safety of Genl Harland &c". It is to be hoped that my letters have by this time been received, and this great apprehension allayed. One of these letters was written under fire, but the last was dated at this quiet town. We are / permanently located here, unless the Rebels should drive us away. It is a fearfully long time since I have heard from any of my relations. Wont you use your influence with the letter-writers of the family, so that I may get an occasional line? I declare—I might as well be in Cochin China for all the home news I get. The Bulletins come regularly, and I look over the marriages & deaths, hoping in the first instance, and fearing in the last, that the name of Arms may appear. Has Sallie gone West yet? I see Frank has been ordered to "settle his accounts". Am I to infer that he is to leave the confines of bachelorhood / and start a new firm?

 

            I believe I'd get a leave if that were so. If I don't come pretty soon, I shall not think of doing so till Sept 1^st when my present contract expires.  But then, I don't suppose I'll hear anything about it till it is all over.

 

            You don't know how nicely I am settled here. I live with a gentleman and his wife who are very kind, and live in quite good style. I have a snug little room with a double bed, so that when one of my New Berne friends comes up I can entertain him. I was in New Berne two weeks ago, and very fortunately met poor Mr Ward, who had come down to collect the / the effects of his late son. It was a very trying visit for him, but I assisted him all I could, and he got everything without any trouble. Yesterday I got a letter 16 pages long from him. He will never get over the blow till he goes to meet his dear boy. And how could he? I wrote a hasty letter to Mrs W. the other day, but not knowing her, it was not an easy thing to do. I hope some day to know them all. Mr W. is very profuse in expressions of kindness towards me, which are reciprocal on my part, for I can never consider the friends of my friend, otherwise than in a friendly manner—Now do write if you feel able, or if not make the rest do so.

 

With a great deal of love        Your Charlie

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