March 18, 1862
Camp: City of N.Y.
13th Req't. Co. S, U.S.A.March 18th, 1862
We arrived onboard the Ship "City of New York" this morning about 5 o'clock. I came down from New Haven on the "Granite State". I had a nice State Room assigned me which was very nice as the boat was very much crowded. The baqgage & freight came down on the "Continental". I went onboard the ship as soon as I could. Enjoyed our new home. It is much more pleasant than I expected. Everything is built up in good shape. We quartered up with the Officers in the cabin and take our meals with them. I have taken two meals onboard and find the fare good. After I had surveyed the ship (which lies off Pier 12, North Pier) I went onshore and went up to Peck Slip onboard the Continental to look after our goods which were to be brought down to the Ship on a vessel. I waited until they were unloaded and then I came down to the ship in the Tug Boat which towed the vessel to the ship. I got onboard the 2nd time about 1 o'clock and then took my dinner. We waited until night expecting they would unload our goods, but other business presented and we have only got two boxes (one of which luckily contained the paper which I am writing to you on). The rest of our goods will be landed or come onboard (I should say) in the morning. The Ship will leave for the Seat of War tomorrow afternoon (Wednesday) about 4 o'clock. The Officers think it seems like a new home. To me the Officers and all are so pleasant. 12 of them came to me this morning and wanted to know if I was going ashore. If so, they wanted to go with me and when I was ready, we all went onshore.
I arrived in Lyme on Monday about 15 minutes before Main left. They all felt bad, but I had to leave. It was hard to leave home (my old home) but not so hard as to leave my new one with a dear wife. When I left I thought I could keep up good courage, but it failed when I lost sight of you through the curtain of the carriage. The tears started. I could not help it, but I make the best of it thinking of the only thing I could that would comfort me. I shall be back soon and the more I see, the shorter the time grows. The victories the Army gain is bringing the war nearer to a close and I tell you I am not sorry - for I am getting homesick.
I shall not go onshore again before we leave for the Seat of War. I wish I knew where we were agoing. I do not. We cannot tell until we have been at sea 2 or 3 days. I think we will stop at Fortus Manor. We also have some Officers for the "G" Reg., C.V. now on Ship Island. You had better direct your letters H.S. Lord, 13th Regiment C.V. and not put the destination on the envelope. They will be forwarded to me. That is, they may try.
All the Officers are all a writing tonight. We are all seated at a table that will accommodate about 40 men. Our Dining Room & Sleeping Room are the same. Just the same as a Steamboat's cabin. Berths on the side. Also a row through the center (the center row is double). Some of the Officers have left their writing and gone to playing cards. I prefer to write to my better half and best half. I suppose I cannot write you again until we get to our destination. If we stop at Fortus Manor, I will write you from there.
We left New Haven about 10 o'clock. We lost but five men by desertion on leaving New Haven, but one man brought onboard intoxicated, a big thinq for the 13th Req. C.V.
Tell Father when I get down south I will write him a letter and give him a full description of the part of the country which we inhabit. I want you to send me all the papers you can for I find it will be better to get a paper than a meal of Victuals. Also, write often as I know you will and write me all the news you can get hold of.
I stopped on my way home and saw Willy Brockway. He is looking very well and will recover, I think, before long. He was very glad to see me and wanted me to stay longer, but I spent all my time at home. Now you know the reason why.
It is about 10 o'clock and my sleep was very good last night on account of the noise all night. My paper nearly finished, I must close.
My love to you as a dear wife hoping you will enjoy yourself and be sure and not worry about me.
My best respects to all brothers and sisters. Father & Mother, give my love to them.
I remain once more your true husband,
Henry S. LordN.B. oh Lizzie Lord, if I could only be in Lyme tonight and surprise you as I did before, what would I give? EVERYTHING
We are off shore this time. Goodnight
H
February 16, 2001
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