GOODELL FAMILY LETTERS- #9
 

Anson to his Parents

                                                                                    Camp Foster
  Roanoke, N.C.
   Saturday, February 22^nd [1862]

Much loved parents

            As the mail is about to close I must give you a few lines. My last was dated the 7^th, I believe, which gave a partial account of the battle. Tuesday the 17^th. Our regiment escorted about 300 of the rebel prisoners to the wharf about 3 ½ miles distant. In the eve, I with 9 others of our Co. were detailed to bring rations from the wharf. After escorting the prisoners our regiment visited the fort which our fleet bombarded and I am surprised that they did so little damage. The guns easily put in order again.

            Wednesday I wrote to Albert Gould. We did nothing but stay in our quarters – clean our guns and equipment and write. I am not living in the barracks but enjoy more healthy quarters in a tent once used by Colonel Shaw the rebel commander of the Island before we took possession. By the way, our fleet have been to Elizabeth City a pretty place on the mainland a few miles above and burned it and took possession. Thursday we had a Co. drill in AM and Brigade drill in PM. In eve a rumor came that the rebels had reoccupied Elizabeth City but I don’t know that it is true.

            Yesterday the weather was quite cool. We had a Company drill in the A.M. and Battalion drill in P.M. on a large corn and potato field close to our camp – at night we received orders to be in readiness to march if wanted at 9 A.M. today but we are on the Island yet and may remain quite a while.

            This morning the 23^rd and 24^th Mass. slung their knapsacks and started for the wharf but were ordered back by Gen. Foster. It is now reported that we leave tomorrow or surely next day.

            I’ve heard much of the pine groves of N.C. I would be satisfied if they would call them swamps and impassible thickets. I am disgusted with everything I have seen pertaining to southern life. Their houses are not finished within and the clapboards are nailed on without lining boards. Chimnies [sp.] are built outside and of brick mostly but some are made of logs & clay. There are but a few farms on the Island, it being covered with pine forests and swamps. It is about 10 miles long and 3 wide lieing [sp.] about at the juncture of the Albermarle and Pamlico Sds.

            We are well and in good spirits. Never enjoyed life better. I have gained twenty pounds since leaving Worcester weighing 146 lbs. The Lord is with me. I enjoyed a calm peace all through the day of the battle. Continue to pray for your son Anson

[Written on top of page 3, upside down]

            Continue to write directing as usual