.MTc5OQ.MzA2NA

This item is currently being transcribed by a volunteer. We look forward to making the full-text of the document available soon.

Fortress Monroe March 8th/61

Dear Sister

I received your letter and am trying to get time enough to give you some kind of answer. We are haveing lively times here. The Merrimac has at last made her appearance, she has sunk one of our Men of War, the cumberland, burnt the congress and destroyed a great many lives. The Ericcson came in night before last just in time to Save Newport News and the fort from falling into the hands of the Rebells. The Merrimac came out with the Jamestown and Yorktown loaded with troops to attack Newport News when the Ericcson met her then followed one of the fiercest battles that has occured. They drove her in behind Sewalls point some thinks she is disabled. They have been fighting for three days and we have been kept on the guns day and night we came in to diner and i [let] the diner go to write this i got a letter from susie this morning if you see her tell her i cannot answer it till this is over tell Carmen to tell Fred the reason i have not answered hi[s] letter. The pickets on fox hill was drove in twice last night and we are expecting an attack from a land force from Yorktown. the report has just come in that the Merrimac is getting up steam behind the point so we will have it again. Stevens battery is reported to be coming to our assistance. We will get paid in a few days and i will send all i can i owe a little here i will send the rest cheerfully.

My love to all i can't tell when i can write again but hope soon.

Remember me to all

Yours

A.J. Weeks