West, Lewis H. (b. 1829) to Mary West [incomplete]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03836.53 Author/Creator: West, Lewis H. (b. 1829) Place Written: Aboard USS "Ladona" off Charleston, South Carolina Type: Autograph letter Date: 19 July 1863 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; 24.6 x 19.6 cm. Order a Copy
Written by Lewis to his sister Mary. References receiving her and Weir's joint letter. Says he will "not be altogether satisfied" if Lee is allowed to escape across the Potomac. Wants to know who General Meade is. Hopes to add Charleston to the column of victories soon, but says they have expended a thousand troops and more will probably have to go. Says he will probably not see much action as a blockader. Says an English ship tried to run the blockade without realizing Morris Island was in Union hands and received a devastating fire, sinking the ship. Says he has heard of "a grand copperhead riot in New York in which many people have been killed." Continues letter on 26 July. Is disgusted that he was sent to Bull's Bay, Georgia to relieve the USS "Flag." Tells of provisioning the ironsides at Charleston before he left and having to escape during a bombardment of the shore that took place over his ship. Is angry he was never involved in attack on Charleston and believes it is because he is a volunteer officer and not a regular officer.
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