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U.S.S. Dumbarton

Beaufort N.C.

October 16th / 64

Dear Sister

I have at last taken my pen to write you a few words. I have attempted to do so several times, But there has allways been something to interupt me and make me to late for the Mail. However, its better late than never, And you must forgive me for not writing before. There is no use in telling you how I came to be in the Navy, suffice it to say that I had what I think the best of reasons. I am here anyhow and fast enough to. I am doing firstrate at present, Enjoying good health and every comfort that can be expected. I have a light and easy position, that of Engineers Yeoman or Store Keeper. I have nothing to do much but write. And take care of all the stores and tools belonging to the Engineers Department. I have to do a little Blacksmithing once in a while, just enough to keep my hand in and give me exercise.

We have got a very good Ship and am at present attached to the North Atlantic Blockadeing Squadron off Wilmington N.C. We are now lying at Beaufort N.C. Coaling Ship and Repairing the Engines. We will leave here tomorrow for our station. The Yellow Fever Prevails here to an alarming extent or has, it has been quite cool the last few days and that keeps it down. But previous, they were dieing at the rate of ten a day on shore.

We are very likely to see some hard fighting around Wilmington soon. Rear Admiral Porter has succeeded Lee in Command of the Fleet, and has issued an order for all to prepare for action. It will be the greatest naval fight ever undertaken to judge from the accounts we get of the preperations that is being made. The rebells are very strongly fortefied, and as it is there only port where Blockade runners can get out and in, they will defend it to the last.

I must now close with my Love to all who may be so kind as to enquire for Your

Loving Brother

Direct to A. J. Weeks

Engineers Yeoman

U.S.S. Dumbarton

North Atlantic Blockadeing Squadron

Off Wilmington,N.C.