West, Lewis H. (b. 1829) to R. West
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03836.06 Author/Creator: West, Lewis H. (b. 1829) Place Written: Hampton Roads, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 21 May 1861 Pagination: 6 p. : docket ; 25 x 19.7 cm. Order a Copy
Says they were supposed to leave earlier, but had to wait for the paymaster. They might leave tomorrow. Says the "secessionists" got some batteries up on both sides of the river and fired on the "Monticello" (West says she was also called the "Star") and goes on to describe the firefight. Six shots hit the ship, but no one was hurt. Says an English ship tried to pass through the blockade, but the USS "Minnesota" stopped her. Says his ship is a "contemptible little brig" in comparison to the "Minnesota" and the "Star." Reports that the "officers of the larger vessels kindly assure us we will certainly be taken first by the enemy." Continues letter on 22 May. Says he visited Fort Monroe and goes on to describe the compound. Says that "General Butler arrived here this morning and I understand the force here will be encreased to 12,000 men ... Governor Wise, said that Virginia must have fortress Monroe, if it cost them 10000 lives.; according to present appearances I think it likely to cost them ten times that number in vain." Continues letter to 23 May. Says the men are clamoring for a fight, especially the men who have been in the service for some time. Says he has been told to be cautious about describing his ship's whereabouts.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.