USS Stepping Stones

Item NMC-6902

Description

USS Stepping Stones
in Back River
February 4, 1864

My Dear Wife

I write these few lines to you hoping that they will find you in as good health as they leave me at present thank God for it. I do not know when we shall get to Old Point. I have not received any letter from you this last month back let me know if you got my likeness. As soon as I get to the Brandywine I will send you my half pay ticket. I have been in a strange country to me. I have been on shore but it is a very skittish place to be in I rather think that we shall have some fighting to do before long. The rebs are trying to occupy the Nansemond River but they will have to fight for it pretty hard but I live in hopes of getting clear by Gods help, then I shall try and get home.

So keep up your spirits as it is all for the best but it comes mighty unhandy at present. Send me word if John Bogoan as gone back yet. Tell him I should like to see him but I suppose that I must dispense with that for the present. Give my best respects to Violetta , Annie, John, William Pottsey, Caroline Dave, Aunt Sarah, Margt, Matilda, Mrs. Martin, Mary Courel, Mrs. Campbell, Mrs Brogan, Mrs. Lynn and to all inquiring friends. Give Charley 100,000,000,000 kisses for me. My love to your self and son.

No more at present from your loving husband.

Fredrick A. Whitfield



Direction
Frederick A. Whitfield
Asst. 1st Engineer
U.S. St. Stepping Stones
Newport News
Virginia


To be left at the
Post Office Old Point
till called for.