United States Navy - New Orleans

Item NMC-7292

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 1 page written in period ink.


New Orleans
October 23rd 1862

Dear Annie,

I find that my stack of paper is getting so reduced that I will have to lay in a new supply, but as the steamer goes tomorrow, I will scratch you a few lines on this remnant of a once well stocked portfolio. I suppose you have received my letter announcing my promotion before this time. I now sport the uniform of the former lieutenant, viz a gold strip around my arm, a silver anchor in my shoulder straps and all sorts of fancy fixings in my cap: wreath, anchors, etc.. I will have my carte de visite taken before long in full uniform. And see if everyone in New Brunswick agrees with everyone here. Short, I am the finest looking officer in uniform in this fleet. I am enjoying myself very much here. I just returned last night from a visit up the country where a horse and n****r are always at my beck (not nearest for a pen) and where there is the prettiest little women in the area, rich and only nineteen. I have formed a great many, very pleasant, acquaintances here among the ladies here. And I have received a great many kindnesses from them. Particularly when I was sick that I shall never forget. I received Nate’s letter last night and was very much shocked to hear of Abel Williamson’s death. He has been an intimate friend of mine for a good many years, and he had a great many fine traits of character. They seem to drop off so fast, that I always when I see a newspaper turn at once to the list of deaths expecting to see someone I know.

I was glad to hear that the shell boxes arrived home safely, as they are so frail. I was afraid some of the shell would be broken off before they reached home. The Captain is very well and is looking forward with pleasure to spending a winter in this climate, which is now and will continue to be, pleasant time delightful. He has also got a lot of shells and boxes which he is going to take home. There is no doubt that we will be here all winter and I am very glad it is so. For I could not possibly be more pleasantly situated than I am now. I have everything done for me by my friends here to make the time pass pleasantly. And the Captain encourages me in keeping up friendly intercourse with them. There will be a fight at Mobile before long and I am going to try to get over there with my friend Mr. Johnson on his vessel till the fight is over and then come back here. Unless a 68 pound shot and I should come in contact, in which case I should not probably return. I hear regularly from Harmon and others in New Brunswick and I am sorry to say oftener than I do from home. I gather from their letters that there is nothing new in New Brunswick. But that it is the same dull place as of old Dr. Campbell according to all accounts is inaugurating a new routine in the college and Harmon now writes to me that it will be necessary to study. Who have you got for a minister in Dr. Wilson’s place. And who is Professor Crosby’s. I occasionally indulge in the dissipation of going to church. But New Orleans is not a church going place. Do you know if Kate Adams received the piece of music I sent her? It is the favorite song of the Secesh in this state and is really a very pretty thing. But now my dear Annie, I must wind up as I want to answer Tate’s letter. Cousin Sam sends a great deal of love to all and says there is no use of his writing as he can get all the news from me. With love to all.


Believe me ever your affectionate,

Sydney

Write soon.