GOODELL FAMILY LETTERS- #5
 

Anson to his Parents

                                                                                    On board a little
Black Propeller
[1]
Annapolis Harbor 
January 7th [1862]

Dear Parents

             We are just off. Sunday were all busy preparing to break Camp. Were called up at 5 AM. Monday ordered into line at once then stacked arms. Were dismissed to strike tents, clean up our grounds, load our wagons, sling knapsacks and ready to fall into line again. After taking arms we fired 8 volleys as a parting salute and farewell to our 2 months home. We pitched our tents Monday, struck them also Monday – left at 7 AM in a snowstorm that had already covered the ground 3 inches. We marched to the city and stood around in the snow till about 4 PM when the Right wing 7 Companies went on board the NY. 3 companies went on board a little Black Propeller called the Zouave containing 200 bunks. I would like to have you just look in the row full of bunks and see me writing. We expressed a cigar box full of letters to you mine will please preserve by putting in my letter box till return or if I forget to return give them to Ellen.[2]

            We are lieing [sp.]  on the bay. It is now 12 o’clock noon. Shall probably sail at 6 PM for Fortress Monroe.[3] The word is reported we are bound for the Rappahannock River a little above the James. We shall aim for Richmond.

            Goodbye. Continue to write direct to follow the Expedition. We are all well. I’m good health & spirits. The boys are all well. Written in haste.

                                                                                    Yours in love

                                                                                    Anson

Edwin is in high glee and sends his love to you Mother and Charlie

 

[1] A propeller driven steamship as opposed to a side-wheel driven steamship.
[2] Ellen Robbins, Anson’s future wife.
[3] Fortress Monroe was a federal fort located just north of Norfolk across from Hampton Roads, VA
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