Allen, George D., fl. 1859-1864 to Mary Mayberry

Written by Allen aboard the USS "Delaware." Says he has written to "all hands" and has not received any response. Says he will not write again if he does not get a response from her. Reports that "We had an engagement on a small scale which gave us an appetite for our breakfast[.] the enemy throwed a few schells [sic] over our boat. Joe's [his brother Joseph H. Allen] vessel layed close by but they were not concerned in it so we had it all to ourselves." Says their captain is a fine man who served as a first lieutenant on the USS "Congress." His brother Joseph served on the "Congress," and the new captain served with him. Says Joe spent two day and nights with him on the "Delaware" and that everyone liked him very much. Reports that he is now the cook instead of a coal heaver, which he likes much better. Sends greetings to individual family members. Says they are going up to Newport News, Virginia every night to keep a lookout on the "Yorktown," which has made several attempts to break the blockade. Says Joe sent word over about receiving payroll. Says Joe is going to give him some clothes. Ends letter because the pork and beans are done. Written while aboard the USS "Deleware" off Forte Monroe.