West, Lewis H. (b. 1829) to R. West
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03836.26 Author/Creator: West, Lewis H. (b. 1829) Place Written: Aboard the USS "Alabama" off Charleston, South Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 November 1861 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 24.7 x 19.4 cm. Order a Copy
Sent this letter by a prize they took that morning. The prize was being sent back to Hampton Roads. Several hours after reporting for duty on the USS "Alabama," he was sent to Charleston to relieve the USS "Susquehanna," which was having engine troubles. Thinks the fleet that amassed in Hampton Roads is heading to Port Royal. Says Charleston is greatly effected by the presence of Union ships. Reports that "Some fugitive slaves who came off in the night, report that they had been employed throwing up entrenchments at Port Royal but had been obliged to leave as they were discovered by the Monticello who shelled them out." Says the men on board are angry about losing their place in the fleet and having to stay in Charleston. Note on page 2 was written by West's mother and initialled "RW."
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