Part 16 of 25 in Civil War Letters of Algernon H. Scribner. The date below is the letter’s historical date; the article retains the collection’s publication date.
Letter transcription
Algernon H. Scribner to David M. Scribner, 18 Feb, 1864 Envelope addressed to Mr. D. M. Scribner, Otisfield, Maine. Postmark: New Orleans, Feby 19 '64
[Written in pencil] [Dateline: Algiers LA Feby 18th 1864]
Dear Farther, Having arrived at New Orleans and that that you would like to hear from me thought that I would write you a few lines to let you know that I am well and right on. we got here last night after a delightful 10 days which we might have concluded had it not been for running on to the bar off Florida which detained us about 4 hours[.] This is a thundering nasty whole worse than Baltimore if it can be Orranges are just ripe not the trees have [full]. we are expected to leave this place to day but don't know the 29th is with us now we are in an Iron Foundry stoped here last night I expected to have seen you in Portland but we was rather to soon for you. the mail is going soon and I must not stop to write much the boys are all well we lost one coming out - Marcus Wright - was taken crazy and Cut his throat from ear to ear and making 4 different stabs in his breast - one of which entered his left lung he lived about 4 hours was thrown overboard in the Gulf of Mexico had I got time I might rite anny quantity of stuff but I cant now.
Yours truly, Algernon H. Scribner Direct to New Orleans, LA Co. C, 30th Me Vet Volunteers. Excuse poor writing
Source
Transcribed by Jean F. Hankins in 2011 for the Otisfield Historical Society, with permission of owner Hal Ferguson of Otisfield. Original spelling, uncertain readings, and editorial notes are retained.
Read the original transcription (PDF, starting on page 15).