14 November 1862
Rifenburgh, Peter E., 1843-1863
Autograph letter signed
Title: to Brother
Very glad to have received postage stamps in his last letter. Also glad to hear that all is well at home. Is well at present, but is getting a cold. Just returned from the meal ship, which has a few dents in its side "where the Merrimack balls struck her." Notices one just above a porthole. Can still see the remnants of the battle of Hampton Roads from months before. The U.S.S. Cumberland still lies on the ocean floor, with "the top part of her mast [sticking] out of the water." The U.S.S. Monitor is stationed there, guarding against another attack by the Confederates. Thinks they will be…
GLC08914.006