Blair, D.F., fl. 1864 to his mother
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC08470.01 Author/Creator: Blair, D.F., fl. 1864 Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 27 December 1864 Pagination: 3 p. : Height: 24.6 cm, Width: 19.6 cm Order a Copy
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 the sun. I got so deaf after awhile as to be most entirely indifferent to it My Ears is ringing yet... I am much afried the whole things is a Failure we are all taking in Powder & shell and are just out of Range of the Fort what will come next I Cant say..." Mentions Union General Benjamin Franklin Butler. "H.G." is written at the top of this document.
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