Hopkins, David (fl. 1861) to my dear brother and sister
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03043 Author/Creator: Hopkins, David (fl. 1861) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 18 August 1861 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 20.4 x 12.7 cm. Order a Copy
Hopkins, a sailor on board a Union ship, replies to a letter from his brother and sister [N. N. and Lacey Hopkins?], of Ashtabula County, Ohio. Discusses problems with the mail. Notes that he feels better than he has in years, despite a persistent cough. Offers his views on the war, declaring that "there are many wrongs to be righted besides the one done to the negro race." Attests that sailors are in worse condition than the enslaved people of the south. Doesn't believe slavery is the underlying cause of the war. Mentions a statement made by Henry A. Wise (Governor of Virginia 1856-1860) opposing freedom. Describes a recent battle between his ship and a Confederate vessel. Reports that his ship has taken some prizes. Envelope depicts a cannon and American flag with the caption "No compromise with traitors."
Philadelphia Aug 18th 1861.
My Dear Brother & Sister
Your letter of the 14th inst. has just come to hand, and you may be sure it was thankfuly received I had began to think there was something wrong about the mails, but am glad to hear that my letters have all been all been answered, even though I have not received the same, and as you say they may yet reach me - I am sorry to learn of your poor health hope it is nothing permanent. As for myself, I seem to stand the hard usage first rate - Am feeling better than I have done for years - with the exception the cough which hangs on, and probably will, but it is not very troublesome -
[2] As regards our national prosperity, you are undoubtedly right - But there are many wrongs to be sighted besides the one done to the Negro race. Sailors to day in both the Merchant and Naval Service of the U.S. are worse used than the slaves of the south -
on either so I
I don't mean by this, that any apology for the "Sacred Institution But I dont T believe that Slavery is the cause of this war - The men who have struck this blow at our government, are
on to
playing for a bigger strike, than the right to hold T, or extend slavery. It is intended to be a death blow to our form of Government. Some three years ago when Henry A. Wise then Gov of Vir. said that he "was opposed every thing that had the word free prefixed". he meant just [3] what he said - And he and others have played their cards accordingly every since - thow about - "Federal Steamer" which the "Beaufort"([illegible]) whipped so badly, on the 21st of last month - The said steamer was the U.S. Gun Boat Albatross Carrying four [illegible] thirty twos, and one twelve pounder rifled [Gun] forward, and 68 men all total - And so far from getting three shots into her. She never got a [illegible] on the contrary, the Rebel got one round shot from one of our thirty twos into him amidships, and insted of our "taking refuge behind a [projecting] cliff" as the lying scoundrel got out of reach of our mettle as soon as he could - So much for that fight The next time we come across him we shall probably have the compliment of Guns he gave us credit for, except the rifled Gun aft - and 120 instead of 175 men - I believe I have written to you that we had [illegible] taken some friges - Three in all all, one of which has been confiscated, another [illegible]
a third was final [?] 200,000
will probably, only get [salvage] on as she belongs to northern owners - T About the [picture] I will send it, if it be among the possibles - and I think it will be - . We are still lying in the [stream], but will probably go on the dry Dock in a few days The Gun Boat [Flay] is on now quitting [Coppered] and [Caultred], I must answer the Girls and will tell you something more about naval affairs - You can direct your letters here for one month yet, as we shall not get away sooner
Good night. - David
[Nort] & [Lacey] Hopkins Philadelphia Aug 18th 1861.
My Dear Brother & Sister
Your letter of the 14th inst. has just come to hand, and you may be sure it was thankfuly received I had began to think there was something wrong about the mails, but am glad to hear that my letters have all been all been answered, even though I have not received the same, and as you say they may yet reach me - I am sorry to learn of your poor health hope it is nothing permanent. As for myself, I seem to stand the hard usage first rate - Am feeling better than I have done for years - with the exception the cough which hangs on, and probably will, but it is not very troublesome -
[2] As regards our national prosperity, you are undoubtedly right - But there are many wrongs to be sighted besides the one done to the Negro race. Sailors to day in both the Merchant and Naval Service of the U.S. are worse used than the slaves of the south - I don't mean by this, [struck: that] any appology for the "Sacred Institution [struck: But I dont] [inserted: on either [struck: I] so I] believe that Slavery is the cause of this war - The men who have struck this blow at our government, are playing for a bigger stake, than the right to hold [inserted: on to], or extend slavery. It is intended to be a death blow to our form of Government. Some three years ago when Henry A. Wise then Gov. of Vir. said that he "was opposed every thing that had the word free prefixed." he meant just [3] what he said - and he and others have played their cards accordingly every since - [How] about - "Federal Steamer" which the "Beaufort"([illegible]) whipped so badly, on the 21st of last month - The said steamer was the U.S. Gun Boat Albatross Carrying four [long] thirty twos, and one twelve pounder rifled [Gun] forward, and 68 men all total - And so far from getting three shots into her. She never got a [illegible] on the contrary, the Rebel got one round shot from one of our thirty twos into him amidships, and insted of our "taking refuge behind a [projecting] cliff," the lying scoundrel got out of reach of our mettle as soon as he could - So much for that fight The next time we come across him we shall probably have the [4] compliment of Guns he gave us credit for, except the rifled Gun aft - and 120 instead of 175 men - I believe I have written to you that we had [strikeout] taken some prizes - three in all [struck: all], one of which has been confiscated, another we will probably, only get salvage on as she belongs to northern owners - [inserted: a third was [final] $200.00] About the picture I will send it, if it be among the possibles - and I think it will be - . We are still lying in the stream, but will probably go on the dry Dock in a few days The Gun Boat [Hay] is on now getting Coppered and caulked, I must answer the Girls and will tell you something more about naval affairs - You can direct your letters here for one month yet, as we shall not get away sooner
Good night. - David
[N. N.] & [Lucy] Hopkins
[envelope]
[N. N.] Hopkins Esq.
West Andover
Ashtabula Co.
Ohio
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