27 December 1864

Blair, D.F., fl. 1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his mother

Written on board the U.S.S. Mohican near Wilmington, North Carolina. Replies to his mother's letter from 11 December. Discusses the Mohican's participation with Rear Admiral David Dixon Porter's North Atlantic Blockading Squadron at the close of the Battle of Fort Fisher (24 and 25 December). Refers to a large gunpowder explosion. States that he does not know the extent of damage done to Confederates, whom he calls "the Secesh." Writes "It was the heaviest Bombardment that ever happened. Our continual Roar like the heaviest thunder & the smoke so thick at times to completely hide…

GLC08470.01

30 December 1864

Blair, D.F., fl. 1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Written on board the U.S.S. Mohican, possibly near Wilmington, North Carolina. Discusses the Mohican's participation with Rear Admiral David Dixon Porter's North Atlantic Blockading Squadron at the close of the Battle of Fort Fisher (24 and 25 December). Recalls being the closest wooden vessel to the Fort, and exclaims that survival of the vessel and crew is a miracle. Writes "I fell quite thankfull to the Rebs for not taking better aim..." Possibly referring to General Benjamin Franklin Butler, writes "if Old Butler had had the Spark of a Louse I think he would have got the Fort his…

GLC08470.02