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to Mother and Sister
26 November 1862
Wright, Sereno A., fl. 1862-1863
They have set up their tents quite nicely with a stove and the right hay. The food is not as good as it was before but he is getting fat off it.
GLC02751.08
to Sister
30 November 1862
They had a nice Thanksgiving and he enjoyed the food. They marched to South Brooklyn the next day. Written aboard the "New Brunswick"
GLC02751.09
to Mother
The day after Thanksgiving they were given marching orders to get to the South Brooklyn ferry. They are now on board the New Brunswick. He had to sleep on a very narrow berth at first. They have been eating hard bread and coffee. Written aboard the...
GLC02751.10
3 December 1862
They sailed later than expected. There has been no seasickness so far. They see porpoises one day. A Capt. jokingly snapped his pistol at an orderly thinking it was not loaded but it was and wounded the man. Written aboard the "New Brunswick"
GLC02751.11
4 December 1862
People are now beginning to get seasick. The wind has been harsh. The food is awful. They landed on an island. The assistant cook died. Written aboard the "New Brunswick"
GLC02751.12
10 December 1862
They landed at Fort Jefferson. Recently he had the best meal he had since going to sea: soup and soft bread. He describes the coconut trees near the fort.
GLC02751.13
13 December 1862
They are on Ship's Island. They don't know where they're going next. Maybe Mobile or Texas. The rest of the regiment is reported lost at sea. There are rebel prisoners on the island.
GLC02751.14
14 December 1862
They left Ship's Island and are now bound for New Orleans. They passed by large plantations where they saw "darkies." The darkies looks happy to see them but the whites are not.
GLC02751.15
December 21, 1862
They had inspection first thing in the morning. He talks about what different kinds of food are worth around there. He tells the story of a skirmish between cavalry units.
GLC02751.16
4 January 1863
He went to church today for the first time in a while and enjoyed it immensely. He says there is little religious feeling among the troops. They are stationed by an old negro cabin in which 2 crippled men and and one woman live.
GLC02751.17
to Angel Darling (wife)
1861-1877
Wait, Horatio L., 1836-1916
He regrets that he could not be with her during their boy's most important years of growth. He is glad she got a reliable stove though it is a poor subsitute for a husband.
GLC08284.106
to Darling Lovely Little Wife
Another letter of praise for his wife. He wishes he were there with her and imagines her sitting on his lap. He says she has a way with words that he does not.
GLC08284.107
to my darling Wife
5 January 1864
He has received her letter in which she tells him Jimmy has been ill. He wants to know all the details and whether he has now recovered. He tells her to talk to doctor and find out all the various causes.
GLC08284.108
to my darling little Angel (wife)
He can't stand the thought of her needing him especially as he needs her. He is so isolated and kept apart from his wife and child. He asks her to write about herself more than anyone else.
GLC08284.109
to darling Cherry
28 May 1865
The Secretary of the Navy finally arrived, as well as the steamer Clyde with Jefferson Davis on board. Later he went on board the Santiago de Cuba and was introduced to the ladies of the party. Written at Charleston Harbor.
GLC08284.110
9 March 1865
He tries to give her words of encouragement towards being strong and happy apart from him. He then proceeds to sing her praises, as she has always done more than he anticipated as a wife. Written at Charleston Harbor.
GLC08284.111
to Father (Horatio Wait)
February 14, 1879
Wait, James, fl. 1879
He trying to decide whether or not a life at sea is for him. He describes the food. He visits a ship called the Three Brothers and sketches part of it in the margin. He tells the story of a horse going overboard.
GLC08284.112
to My Dear Wait (Horatio)
February 11, 1879
Gibson, W.C., fl. 1879
He went aboard the St. Mary to visit James Wait. He is described as one of the brightest boys. He likes sea life but complains of lonliness.
GLC08284.113
12 October 1878
He spent some time with Jimmy and discovered he had a good grasp of nautical information. He predicts Jimmy will take after his father and succeed.
GLC08284.114
11 July 1878
He thinks Jimmy will learn more aboard the St. Mary than he would aboard a merchant vessel.
GLC08284.115
to Sister Chara
19 August 1863
Frances, fl. 1863
She may come to New York soon. Lizzie had a baby girl. Includes letter from J.W Barker. Mostly illegible.
GLC08284.116
21 August 1864
He tells the story of a captain who had his wife on board. She was very sick and he asked for ice to ease her pain but no one would give him so he left the ship and his wife later died.
GLC08284.117
to ma cherie Marie
21 October 1866
He thinks France is the greatest nation in the world next to the USA. He wishes whole heartedly that she could be with him. He sings the praises of Paris, including the architecture and the art.
GLC08284.118
to wife
He describes the people of Paris, including the upper classes, the middle and lower classes and what he calls,a "Frenchy."
GLC08284.119
8 July 1862
He has enclosed two currant leaves. He describes different flowers and his wife and baby's attitude toward them.
GLC08284.120
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