West, Lewis H. (b. 1829) to R. West
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03836.29 Author/Creator: West, Lewis H. (b. 1829) Place Written: Aboard USS "Alabama" off Ossabaw, Georgia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 21 December 1861 Pagination: 6 p. : docket ; 24.7 x 19.4 cm. Order a Copy
Says he started down for Fernandine. Says they previously boarded an English ship loaded with salt heading for New Brunswick. The ship had a letter stating that it should try to get to Savannah, Georgia if possible, but to go to New Brunswick otherwise. They thought it was a weak ruse to avoid the blockade and they towed the ship into Port Royal. Says they captured a ship ladened with provisions after it ran ashore on the beach. Describes the capture and eventual burning of the ship in detail. Says he was able to get some coffee and a new pair of shoes and that 12,000 cigars were captured. Goes on to describe several other incidents while cruising off the coast. Continues the letter on 25 December from Warsaw Sound, Georgia. Mentions other ships he is with and says he does not know if they will be ordered on an attack or go back to blockading. Continues letter on 27 December and says they took on supplies. Says people on the shore accuse them of being pirates, which makes the crew angry.
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