West, Lewis H. (b. 1829) to R. West
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03836.12 Author/Creator: West, Lewis H. (b. 1829) Place Written: Alexandria, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 24 July 1861 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 24.6 x 19.6 cm. Order a Copy
Says little has happened and they remain anchored at Alexandria. Says they were told to wait in readiness to man the town's batteries last night, but nothing came of it. Says the USS "Pawnee" is docked next to them. Went on shore and describes the town and the defeated soldiers from Bull Run. Has heard that no forward movement has been made by the enemy. Says "Last night and this morning they were reconnoitering from Washington in a balloon, and this morning it passed over Alexandria and descended just outside the town." Blasts the newspapers that were clamoring for the North to end their delays and attack. Continues letter on 25 July. Says he landed with a party of 20 men to man the entrenchments in town because it was rumored the Confederates were advancing. Says he heard that many regiments are enlisting, but that the three-month men are unwilling to reenlist. Received word that their pickets have been pushed back to Falls Church.
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