Accession Number: XX84:63:9
U.S.S. Mohawk
Port Royal Sept. 28/62
My Dear Sister,
Your very welcome letter, reached me on the 19th inst while at North Edisto, and I take the first opportunity I have of answering it, especially as Mother said that you would forward to her any of my letters. We came down her last Tuesday, and have been very busy getting in coal and provisions and are also having some repairs made to our boilers. Since we were here last July, the settlement at Hilton Head has grown rapidly, and presents the same appearance that western and California cities must have done in their embryo state, viz patent frame houses, some with wooden, & some with canvas covers, or roofs, streets every which way, sand over shoe deep with no walks &c. It is a busy looking place, as it is the Head Quarters of the Navy and Army, and all the supplies for both are brought directly here. We are going just where I wanted to, to Fernandina. I got heartily sick of North Edisto, and hailed with joy the "Huron" which relieved us there. For 30 days previously tour leaving there, we had no Communication with the Flag Ship, received no letters, and consequently were unable to send any. I supposed that my friends wondered why they did not hear from me. Fernandina is a village of some size, with Fort Clinch at the entrance of the Harbor, and a Regiment or two of Soldiers there. So we will have company, which will make it very pleasant. Yesterday we received a new Chief Engineer on board, in place of Mr. Carpenter who was taken prisoner at Edisto. His name is Lapoint, and has been, till he returned to this country Chief Engineer of the Argentine Confederation Navy. I think he will be a very agreeable Companion rather better than our last.
The weather for the last week has been very gloomy. A North East wind has been blowing constantly, making every thing chilly, and as this harbor is an open road stead, the waves have full force, and we keep rolling around. We are laying about two miles from the Head, and from the waves, and tide, it is a good two hours pull over there, and there it is at the expense of a good witling. I went over there yesterday to buy some stores for our Mess, and the "grul" made a pretty mess of it coming back. Coffee, Dried Peaches, Salt, Sugar, &c &c, were attacked by the salt water, and none of them will require seasoning when cooked. If Charley wants to make money, he better charter a schooner & bring out a load of provisions for officers. I paid $5.oo for Potatoes, 18d for Crushed Sugar, 35dts for Butter, 30d for Coffee and every thing else in proportion. Regular old swindlers there sutlers schooners are.
I am glad to hear that you had such a pleasant summer trip, and I hope it did you good. I am greatly concerned about your health, and I would advise a winter sojourn in Florida. I do not know as your malady is of a bronchial character, but never the less the warm winter air of Fernandina will not hurt you. Maybe you will think this advice given because I want to see you. You wont be far out of the way.
The air here is filled with rumors of war, while on shore I noticed several of the large 13 inch mortars and immense quantities of shot and shell. What they are good for, except the reduction of Charleston & Savannah I do not know. Admiral Dupont went North yesterday in the "Keystone State" for the purpose it is said of concerting measures for active operations. It certainly is time that something was done toward gaining possession of those places. I hope I may be there at C. or S. when the attack is made. It is also said that Genl Mitchell is to have a large force added to his command. This information, is all of a contraband character, and must not be made public. At muster this morning, our order from the Admiral was read, cautioning all persons not to write about any thing they might know in regard to operations here.
What glorious news the mail last in brought us. That McClellan was victorious, and the rebels all driven over the Potomac, I hope nothing disastrous has occurred since the 20th. We await anxiously by news from the [illegible] War. Don’t send us any thing bad.
I recd news a few days a go of the death of a friend of mine E.D. Barton Paymaster of the Huntsville. He died of Yellow Fever, which has prevailed extensively in the Gulf. The Health of this squadron is very good. Mine was never better.
I thank you mush Marcia, for thinking of me when you saw Miss Julia Appleton, and if the Navy Department allowed officers to carry their wives with them, I would at once return on a furlough and call upon her, but it is a good deal of trouble to make out an allotment for the support of your wife while absent, and so I think I will remain here. I also know another Julia who answers to your description- By the way how are all my friends in Syracuse. I had no time while there last, to call upon any of them, and I must depend upon you, to keep me posted in regard to them.
I noticed Henry's name among the list of Graduates at union. So his school days are over, and now he is studying Law. I wonder not at Mr. Shankland wishing to keep him at home. Please remember me to all your family. I should like to hear from Henry very much. I recd the Independent & C Journal from Charley, and am under obligations to him, as they were the first religious papers I have seen since leaving N.Y.S. As I do not wish to be under obligations to him for postage, I send with this 50d , which he may use for that purpose. I suppose the bill is good. Although there may be a slight discount in Syracuse- Don’t let Charley work to hard about the soldiers- I hope to hear from you again soon.
Your Aff Brother
George