Rifenburgh, Peter E. (1843-1863) to Brother
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC08914.006 Author/Creator: Rifenburgh, Peter E. (1843-1863) Place Written: Newport News, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 November 1862 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.3 x 25.6 cm. Order a Copy
Very glad to have received postage stamps in his last letter. Also glad to hear that all is well at home. Is well at present, but is getting a cold. Just returned from the meal ship, which has a few dents in its side "where the Merrimack balls struck her." Notices one just above a porthole. Can still see the remnants of the battle of Hampton Roads from months before. The U.S.S. Cumberland still lies on the ocean floor, with "the top part of her mast [sticking] out of the water." The U.S.S. Monitor is stationed there, guarding against another attack by the Confederates. Thinks they will be helping to take Richmond soon. Hopes God will spare his life if a battle should occur. Has to stop writing; wishes he had more time to write.
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