GOODELL FAMILY LETTERS- #6
 

Anson to ???

                                                                                    Harbor off Fortress Monroe

                                                                                    Saturday Jan 11^th [1862]

            I have a few moments to drop a line on what we’ve had A lovely day -  smooth passage though foggy – did not leave Annapolis til Thursday Morn at 7-30 when we took up anchor in a rain and fogg [sp]. Our boat – the Propeller Zouave – is very slow hence everything passed us soon after starting and we were left alone to complete our voyage at 12 Thursday night- we anchored on account of fog and remain till 8 next morn – about two hours before anchoring passed the mouth of the James River very smooth through the fore noon – anchored again at noon from fog. The Captain of the boat said he did not wish to sail in fog lest he should run on to rebel batteries on some points on shore – for there are a few.

            Remained a few hours at anchor off the mouth of the Rappahannock River. At 2 PM got under way again and completed our journey – thus far the whole route I should think must be some 150 miles perhaps more. We have had as pleasant passage as we could wish. Nothing of special interest has happened.

            The number of the fleet – I don’t know – our boat was so very slow that in less than two hours every sail was out of sight. This morn I counted 50 that looked like US vessels. There are two Men of War in the harbor. We arrived this morn, Saturday, at 12-30 in Harbor. Have had pleasant route thus far. The boys are well and in fine spirits. Where our next point of rendezvous will be we have not the slightest knowledge. The blockade fleet are doing their duty – here we were overhauled – Yesterday at 4 PM by US Steamer Mystic – and our papers examined. Our stay here will be short.

            I will write soon as possible again. Perhaps you will find it difficult to read these hasty written lines. Only two companies are in the Zouave which has a canal boat in tow which will be fitted up with a cannon for a gun boat – an exposed place for men who will man it are not known yet. Perhaps some will be detailed from our Reg.

            The remainder of our Reg. are on board the NY. The Captain is waiting to take any lines ashore. I’ll close by bidding you goodbye.

            Edwin and myself are well and in fine spirits.

                                    Your Anson

[Written around perimeter]

            Continue to write and direct as you always have they will reach us.

            I’ll give more full description some time.