GOODELL FAMILY LETTERS- #33
 

Anson to Parents

Foster General Hospital
Newbern, N.C.
Nov. 27^th 1863

Dear Father and Mother

            Today is Friday. Thanksgiving has come and gone and found “the boys E & A” in a southern clime, many miles away from the fireside gathering. Our seats are again vacant at the festal board and we could not partake with you of all the good things Mother knows how to cook so nice. The turkey – the chickens – the chicken pie – the puddings – the pies of apple – meat and pumpkin I can imagine how they used to look when four hungry boys stood round impatiently waiting for the turkey to be taken from the oven and all the good things to come to the table that we might satisfy our appetites. Then we thought little of war or that we ever should be called upon to sacrifice all these luxuries and give years of precious time to save our nation’s honor, her territory from dismemberment and her flag from lasting disgrace. Time works out mighty changes and thank God that in its workings gloriously has right and truth and liberty triumphed. I have thought much about this yesterday and today and have really felt to be thankful that this war was brought about it is having such a glorious victory over slavery and its opening such a wide spread fields for labor here in the South _ such an opening for Yankee enterprise and industry. We must do it for the southerner cannot develop the resources of his own country. He is so enervated – effeminated by Slavery that it seems to me the old stock of secesh blood must die out and give place to a different class of men and minds. I wish Father, that I could take you out some eve and introduce you to the Chivalrous hospitable southernor [sp.] and if you did not go home disgusted and disappointed then you would be different from any one else I have seen. Well, I started to tell how I passed the day yesterday. Got up in morn and had a breakfast of hash and bread – then after the Dr. had visited the ward went out to walk – found Abiel and Hezzie and must go with them and have some real Yankee pumpkin pie. Then went to church to hear Rev. H James in a discourse on the war and what has transpired the past year for which we should be thankful. It was very interesting quite as good as anything I ever heard from him. Well, he continued so late that I lost my dinner at the hospital. (not much of a loss) – but went to my darkey’s Caroline, and excellent Christian woman and found a lady just from the North dining with her, I was invited and sat down to a splendid dinner of boiled dish. O how good it was. Then I stayed and talked away nearly all the afternoon very pleasantly – then returned to the hospital and passed the eve writing and thinking and talking home. I expected to be very lonesome but was not a bit till eve came then I felt rather lonesome as I gazed into our log fire and thought of those who would be at home.

            My health is improving for which I am very thankful yet I have to be very careful what I eat. I went for a day or two at the general mess but it proved too hearty for me and the Dr. put me back on light diet again.     Good bye      Your Son, Anson

[Written at top of first page]

My stomach is worse now than it ever was before and it is quite doubtful about my being able for active service for the present if ever while in service. Love to Charlie. Give my love to Uncle Waldo and tell Waldo W. to write when you see him.

[Written on top of last page]

The Company remains at Fort Gaston yet but expect orders every moment.

[Written on top of 2^nd and 3^rd page]

I tell you mother I think of your butter toasts your custards warm biscuits etc. etc. Sometimes when a slice of dry bakers bread and cup of poor coffee is given me – well anything’s good enough for a soldier and I shall not be one always.