.MTgxNQ.MzA3OA

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

U.S.S. Dumbarton Nov 26th 1864

Dear Sister

Yours of the 6th [inst?] was received yes- terday. I was very glad indeed to hear that you were well and happy. I am still right side up as far as health is concerned. I had just wrote to Sarah yesterday, And was wondering why I did not hear from you. And her letter had no sooner gone than yours came. You speak about Sarah being such a strong McClellan Man, But she dont think as I do for I am on your side, And cast my first vote for "Uncle Abe" We had votes sent out to us from New York. There is not any news here of any consequences Unless it is an expedition that they are about getting up, And which I have registered my name as a volunteer. I have no idea where it is going But probably it is some such an affair as that executed by Lieut. Cushing some time ago. If it comes off there will be a chance for a little ex- citement which will serve to relieve the monotony of a Blockade life, And probably to advance those that escape in the service. The conditions as offered to us were Death by Capture, Glory and promotion, a fine prospect truly, But one which I will for one welcome. Since I first wrote to you, we have been in Port at Beaufort N.C. I managed to get ashore and had a firstrate time, and what was better a good dinner, the only only I have had since I have been in the Navy. I had a good look at the place, which is a miserable little sand hole of about two thousands inhabitants mostly black. Near the city is the Refugee camp. There was about fourteen hundred Refugees there that had been starved out or freed to leave their homes in the southern states, and are now compelled to seek food and shelter under the Flag that some of them would disgrace if they had the power. I talked with one man that was dependent on our government for every mouthful of food and every stitch of cloths he got and found that he was the rankest secesh I had ever come acrosst. We have not seen any prizes lately, but I think we shall to night as it is going to be very dark. We have not had a share in any since we came here. Some boats has captured enough to average two thousand dollars a man. I believe I must now close. Give my love to Aunt Sarah and Uncle William.

And I remain Ever,

Your Loveing Brother

A. J. Weeks