Accession Number: XX84:63:14
U.S.S. "Mohawk"
Fernandina Fla
Jan 11 1863
My Dear Sisters
It is just at that time of day when you never know what to do, in the time that elapses between coming home from Church & dinner, and as I felt just so today, I thought I would commence another letter waiting for time and events to fill it. Last Sunday Episcopal services were commenced in one of our churches, as I believe I wrote you two or three days ago, and were continued today. In fact we are trying to make up for our past short comings in the church going particular, for we have service on board, (also commenced last Sunday) at 10 a.m. and then go immediately off to service ashore. It is pleasant to know that friends at home are engaging in the same service, at the same time, as we are here singing the same psalms, reading the same passages of scripture, and engaging in the same prayers. Do you all attend the Methodist Church in Cazenovia, and if so do you enjoy the services, as well as you did those in State St. I don’t know whether Mr Hoag is there yet or not, but if he is I doubt if you will fall in love with his preaching. I am sorry that Edward did not follow up his good commencement by continuing to send me the Independent and Christian Advocate. I enjoyed reading them on Sunday much, and was in hopes to have the pleasure often renewed, but as we are expecting to be relieved every day, it would not be worth while to send them now. Our reading matter is getting low as what we had has been pretty thoroughly digested. I hope you put some books or magazines in that box. The reason why I have not yet received it is accounted for by the fact that the day before the "Blackstone" left New York, Dec 26th a schooner left the Navy Yard, carrying all the mail and express matter, and when the Blackstone left Port Royal, the schooner had not then arrived. It is then no doubt before this time, and the next boat down will bring it. I hope no perishable articles were put in it, for they might be destroyed by this time. My curiosity is greatly excited, more so by the great secrecy enjoyed upon that note. Clara what curious freaks you sometimes indulge in.
Jan 15th 1863. I recommence this letter feeling very badly about events that transpired yesterday. In the afternoon Mr Tillinghast and myself went out riding with Capts Baker & Granger & Mrs & Miss baker, after riding a long distance on the beach towards the south, we saw a steamer towards the North and which we at first thought to be a Naval vessel & possibly our relief, when we got back to town, we found out that it was the Army Transport "Delaware" with the 7th Conn Regiment on board, who came to relieve the 9th Maine. That was not the worst for an order from the President was received dismissing Col Rich from the service, for incompetency & for refusing to recognize the Governors Commissions, and for [illegible] all his back pay, which amounts to about $1500. Col Rich was a general favorite with us all, a perfect gentleman, perfectly conversant with military matters, and that he should be so summarily dismissed without even warning or investigation excited our greatest indignation. Lieut Col Bisbee who takes his place has by every means in his power tried to ruin the Col, for a year past by pressing ridiculous charges, inventing stories &c. He is as much hated as Rich is liked, and it grinds deep to have this affair. In our stay here of three and one half months, I have made many warm friends & I feel very sorry to have them go. I can not now how soon we go, sooner the better. Capt Baker had just got his wife and sister out here, nicely situated, and now he is obliged to break up every thing, and settle again with them in tents upon the sands of Hilton Head. Last Night the 7th Conn laid around loose, just where ever they could find a place on the ground they laid there. Who would not be a soldier. I am thankful that I am in the Navy, when we move from place to place, its like moving a house bodily, every thing we have goes with us, no packing & unpacking, no living on hard biscuit for two or three days till we get stores put up & eatables unpacked. The Maine Regt leaves tomorrow for Hilton Head. Now for staying on board, and let the shore take care of itself. This is the only item of news that has occurred since Sunday, and I have none of yours to answer. The weather we are now enjoying is perfectly charming, and I do so wish that you Clara especially could enjoy it with me, of course I should be delighted to have the other members of the family here too.
Part of that ride yesterday was a regular steeple chase. Capt Baker had dismounted to look through his glass at the steamer when his horse started towards home. The other Gents & myself started after him but as my horse had the most wind & blood in him he soon outsteeped the others. In about one mile I came up with the horse which was running & just as I stooped over our side to seize the rein, he shied off & put out into the broken country back of the beach. For two miles through water, chapparel, up hill & down hill did I put after the runaway, two or three times I could just manage to touch his bridle when off he would shy again, at last about three miles away from the place of starting I caught him & brought him back in triumph. I think now I can enlist for a circus rider, having proved my skill. If I have money when I get home, I am going to ride horseback for its capital sport & good exercise.
16th. Last night the weather changed suddenly, there being a high wind with tremendous rain, and this morning a good fire is decidedly comfortable. I was on shore last evening making farewell calls upon our departing friends, but after all they will not go today, for the high wind prevents. I got completely wet through & my bones ache this morning in consequence. Dr Wood came down on the wharf about 10 ½ & it being very dark he walked off into the deep water. He was picked up however by a boat, being no worse damaged than getting a good ducking. It must be mighty unpleasant however to get soused in that way, good clothes all spoiled with salt water & mud, watch ruined by water getting inside &c, &c. Baths are good in their place, but I like to choose the time & place.
We are expecting daily a steamer from Port Royal with mail. I have heard nothing from you since Libbys letter of Dec 12th – and I am anxiously waiting for more news. We have got papers however as late as Jan 5th – with news good as far as it goes. I hope greatly that Rosecrans finally whipped the Rebels at Murfreesboro, and that Vicksburg is ours – You cannot imagine our anxiety to hear news from our Armies. Rumors are abundant, but generally turn out to be false – of course all the rumors we get come from Rebel sources through the pickets, and are not to be relied upon.
What a winter of quiet & ease you must be enjoying, and I doubt not of pleasure. Clara where is James now. Does he often come out to the Academic shades of Caz to drink in knowledge. I wrote you that I could forward letters for Mary Palmer, but I have received none as yet to forward. I do not think that the change of affairs here will make any difference about it. I will however make arrangements before we leave, so that if I got the letter afterwards, I can get into a ship that is able to do some service. I do not expect to meet with better or more pleasant mess mates, or get into a more comfortable ship – but we draw a great deal of water, 13 ½ feet, our boilers are worn out so that our speed is very slow, and consequently we are useless, for any active operations. I don’t want to pass through this war, as long as I am in it, without seeing some fighting. I do not think you sympathize with these feelings very much, but they are mine honestly. I would much rather however see this war ended, so that I could return home.
I hope mother that your age will be renewed, by your year of rest, and cessation from all care, and that this year will so accustom you to new habits, that they will continue after your return to Troy. I think you have done your share of work in this world, and that now you should give up to younger & more able hands. I don’t know as you could find any one more able to beg than you are, but remember that begging is not the normal condition of mankind.
How are Edward & Susan & their children. Give my love to them. Little Florence also comes in for a large share of it. What a stretchy thing love is, supply your friends with all they need, and yet one has quantities left. It is a good deal like casting bread upon the waters. Its returned a thousand fold.
Did you ever observe that when a young fellows ideas are about all gone, that he takes up the subject of love – I think it is a good deal my case just now, and it reminds me that "brevity is the soul of wit."
Send me letters from friends, which you may receive especially those from Father.
Good bye-
Yours affectionately
George