Drowne, Byron P. (1848-1933) to his mother
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01008.02.01 Author/Creator: Drowne, Byron P. (1848-1933) Place Written: Charleston, South Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 21 October 1864 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20 x 12.5 cm. Order a Copy
Letter from 16-year-old Drowne to his mother, written on the USS "Catalpa" off Charleston. Says he did not have time to have his picture taken in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Reports no late war news, only that there will be no more fighting in his quarter for the winter. Says "I wish they would send someone here to take this place [Charleston] for they have been at it long enough to take it forty times[.] they say that Admiral Farragut has gone home sick & is not going to take charge of the N.A.B. Squadron." Says he will be out of the Navy in 10 months and that he will never leave again. Notes "I expect Lincoln will get elected this fall at least I hope so." Says he is still around Charleston "doing picket around the Monitors." Says he has a new captain by the name of Mr. Noyes. Reports that his ship is to be ordered on the "outside blockade."
Note by Drowne's descendent Lorna Drowne Moscrip in file says that Drowne joined the U.S. Navy in 1863 at the age of 15 with parental consent. He claimed he would run away from home if he was not given permission to join. He was a record-keeper and paymaster. In later life he settled in El Paso, Texas and transported gold shipments for Wells Fargo. He died at the age of 85 in Oakland, California.
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