West, Lewis H., 1829-? to R. West

Says the scattered troops have been reorganized. Reports on conditions in town saying "I took a party of seamen on Saturday night as a reinforcement for those already in the trenches, and was painfully struck by the appearance of things in general. Not a soul was to be seen in the streets except soldiers, some of them off duty, lounging about, or drunk, and ready for any outrage." Says their naval brigade has done good work. Says they are led by a Lieutenant Parker, "who is true blue, although he has a brother on the secession side. How do you get on with all our secessionist connections, I should think that it must be rather a delicate piece of work to manage things." Continues letter on 30 July. Fears that the Confederates are placing batteries at Malthias Point, which would shut down navigation of the Potomac. Is angry about being in Alexandria. Blames it on his captain because "he managed to get us sent here for repairs, because he was more at home in Washington, than anywhere else, although it was well known that the facilities for getting what we wanted, were less here, than in any other navy yard." Says he "dont know enough to be captain of an oyster boat!!" Hopes to get a transfer soon. Continues letter on 2 August. Says his captain is going to leave as soon as a successor arrives. Says he went to Washington and witnessed the improvements General McClellan has implemented. Says "Every body since the disaster of Bulls Run seems to look to him as the man for the occasion. Wants information on family and friends in the military.