West, Lewis H. (b. 1829) to Harriet Moore
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03836.81 Author/Creator: West, Lewis H. (b. 1829) Place Written: Aboard USS "Fernandina" at St. Catherine's, Georgia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 9 December 1864 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; 24.8 x 19.6 cm.
Says there is a northeast gale blowing and that the ship is lying with both its anchors down and all their ordinary occupations suspended. Says it is "peculiarly comfortable and cosy" writing to her in a heavy gale. Says they are all excited for Sherman to appear on the coast. Hears that the Charleston-Savannah railroad has been cut and that he is 40 miles from Savannah. Says he sent a scout boat up the Midway River and discovered there were no pickets on it as is usual. Believes most of the troops are being redirected to Savannah. Says "The sky was lit up brilliantly last night by a very extensive fire, far inland and I should not be surprised if it should prove to be some of Sherman's work, as by all accounts he has pretty well 'blazed' his track through Georgia." Has received new crew members who need to be trained.
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