62nd United States Colored Troops & 24th Iowa Infantry

Item LTR-10359

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 4 pages, written in period ink.


Brazos Santiago, Texas

November 28th 1864 7 p.m.

Dear Ellen,

As we are expecting that a ship will leave for New Orleans tomorrow. I shall write this evening in order that I may have a letter ready to send off on it to you. I don’t know however, as I have much to write that will be of interest to you. Our Chaplain has been bleeding at the lungs lately and his health is so poor that he has sent in his resignation and expects to leave for the north on the next ship. His health has been so poor lately that he has not been able to gather shells and he was around awhile to go trying to buy any additions to his collection. I made him a present of one of the finest ones (shells) I had and shall have to run the risk of finding another by the time I want it. I would not have parted with it under any other circumstances. But I know just how he wanted it.

I hate to have the Chaplain leave us. For we need him bad enough. Though, situated as we have been, he could not be of much benefit to me. I am out of camp on Grand Guard about half or more of the time Sundays. I have not had an opportunity of attending religious services. Since I have been on the island. General Pile sent up an invitation inviting all that could attend of the men and officers, to come down to Headquarters yesterday to attend divine service. I was on Guard and could not go, which I regretted. I trust that things will be better arranged ere long.

I had quite an adventure the other day while on duty at the fort. I went over to the beach after shells and while strolling along the edge of the surf, I discovered a very curious looking fish in the water. And having nothing else to do with, I stepped out into the water with my sword and speared him with it. But not knowing anything about the kind, I took care to keep at pretty good distance from him. I had to spear him the second time before I got him to shore and when he got quiet, which was very soon, I began to examine him. Rather cautiously, but not so carefully, for he might have given me a death blow, for after carrying him up to the fort by the tail (which was no ways dangerous), I found that it was what is generally known as a Stingray. He would weight from 10 to 14 pounds, was nearly round with a pointed nose and a long-pointed tail, like a turtle, only much longer. Near the end of which was a long spear. One of the workmen said he had known a man fishing in the water by night, to step on one with his foot and it threw up its tail and struck the spear through his boot leg and into his leg. And he died in 3 hours. They are known to be a deadly poison. More fatal than rattlesnakes. Since I have thought of it, I think I was very fortunate not to be struck for he whipped his tail about, furiously when my hand was in reach of him.

I got mustered last Saturday. So that trouble is over and without going to New Orleans. I got mustered back to the 25th of June, the day I went on duty. So I have over 5 month lieutenant’s pay due me, besides some sergeant’s pay. But I have got in debt considerable and then I shall have to lay out considerable for a uniform, etc., when I get it. I took the benefit of Circular No. 75 War Department 1864. So, I shall not lose anytime by my promotion. I have only 3 years from the 6th of last June. A little over 2 years. And I have served more than that already. We are looking for an attack from the rebs over on the mainland all the time now. If they come, they will be likely to bring force through to overpower us. For they know just how much firepower is here. The Mexican General Megia of the French Army at Bagdad came down with part of his staff to see a battle. The Reb General Slaughter told him would come off 2 or 3 days ago. He said he was coming down to drive us out of Texas or capture us or something else. The French fleet, lying at the mouth of the Rio Grande, came down to see it also. But it has not come off yet. Don’t know thought how soon it may. I shall try and let you know when it does if I can but time flies and I must close and stop this scribbling. So, farewell. Write very often and remember me in your prayers.

I remain yours as ever,

J. H. Mead

Direct to Brazos Santiago, Texas.

J. M.