GOODELL FAMILY LETTERS- #7
 

Anson to his Parents

                                                                                    Hatteras Inlet
 Coast N. Carolina
Monday Eve.
Jan 13, 1862

Kind Parents

            I wrote you last at Fortress Monroe Jan 11. Up to that time we had a very smooth passage though foggy. After it cleared away and was colder and more windy – we left Hampton Roads (Fortress Monroe) Sunday Morn at 1-30. The boat plunged & rolled as soon as out in the Atlantic. Passed Cape Charles at 7-30, the northern extreme point at the mouth of the Bay,. At 8-30 we passed Cape Henry the southern point. The wind and waves increased and made the boys nearly all seasick. You have seen them, I suppose, Father. They had been very jolly till yesterday but the ocean’s swell changed their tune and I never saw such as sober set before. Everyone looked as though he had lost his best friend and it would be impossible to smile again. Yourself can judge what a scene 200 men would make. Thus far I have escaped but the remainder of the route will give me the heaves I expect.

            We left harbor sometime before the others of the fleet so they were not in sight till near the time of anchoring. It has so happened that we have not been with the fleet only while anchored but all our passage thus far has been alone most of the time.

            Passed Cape Hatteras today at 10 AM after having a favorable passage – here we found a rough sea as it most always is – being the roughest part of our coast – also found a ship in distress that had been drawn thus far by another steamer but had parted her cable and left her – she wanted us to take her but being loaded heavily ourselves could not so we remained by her till another of the fleet came up and took her in tow. We rounded the Cape without any accident and kept on till anchored here, Hatteras Inlet – today at 2-30 PM. The Harbor is not as smooth as at Annapolis. Probably shall go no farther South. Of course is we think up the Sound to a place called Newbern.

            Today Wednesday at Harbor in the Inlet – have had a hard time. Monday night, the Zouave sprung a leak – when we just anticipating a nice supper of rice and molasses at 6 PM, the cry passed through the cabins & deck – “Boat sprang leak & sinking.” “Two feet of water in the Hold.” I went immediately to the Hatchway to see and found the Hold all afloat – went on deck dropped the lead happening to find it on the bow and found only 7 feet of water so I was not alarmed. I went below found the water on the “gun deck” shoe deep – found my knapsack gun and equipments, sling them and went on board a Steam Tug, the Gen. Putnam. Poor Wesley was seasick and very sick too. I helped to get him off the Zouave, gave him my clothing except what I had on. Edwin watched him through the night. I took care of him the next day. He was quite deranged through the night but the next day was better and is gaining – will soon be well. I expected he would have such a fever as last winter. During the night the cold blew a gale. My quarters were in the open air and not having my own blankets of course was nor very warm. We had no rations given us till supper yesterday Tuesday – no super Monday or breakfast or dinner Tuesday. Were taken off the Tug yesterday at 3 PM and given more comfortable quarters on board a Ferry Boat – the Eagle. I had a sweet sleep last night. I am tough and hearty – you would have laughed to see how eagerly I supped of hard crackers and raw pork. However I didn’t starve board the Tug. Tuesday morn by the kindness of their cook, I had a good breakfast of beef steak, apple slush, as they call it – made of hard bread and dried apples with just meat enough to give it a good flavor and wheat griddle cakes that were just like yours Mother. I never fell in with a better, kinder-hearted set of men before. The soldiers and sailors that were here before have seen much harder times than we have. The Indiana Regt. lost by the Rebels all the clothing they had again after being supplied by the Government. A hard storm drove the sea so high that they were drowned out and all the baggage washed away and it was difficult to get more than half enough to eat. We shall probably fare well enough soon as reaching our final destination. But I don’t care how hard the fare as long as God gives me health. I am surprised to see again how little I am affected by exposure, wind and rain – Thankful am I to be thus spared. My health is good as ever. Edwin is well and in good spirits. We were very fortunate to get along as well, for the first mate of the Zouave said if we knew what a poor boat the Z. was we should never consented to sail in her.

                                                                                    Your Anson

[Written on top of page]

            Thank Heaven our boat did not go down before I’ll write more fully next time

 

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