The Civil War Letters of Henry Sill Lord
March 30, 1862
Lat 24 30m
Long 75 30mShip "City of New York"
March 30th, 1862My Dear Wife,
It is time to commence writing for we are in ahout 200 miles of land and we may possibly have an opportunity to write and send this letter. I will commence from the time we left Sandy Hook.
We went out by the Light about 10 o'clock and the Tug left us about 12 o'clock. We had a light breeze and went slowly down our course steering Southwest by West. I retired early on Sunday niqht thinking of home and its attachments, of where I was agoing and who I had left at home. It made me feel sad to think of that home which I had left for so long a time, but I made the best of it, and after a long time I dropped asleep and was well. I awoke on Monday morning and found myself in a strange land (not land, but sea) one that a short time ago I never expected to see. We were out of sight of land, a place where I am sure I never expected to be It was a beautiful morning, rather cool wind, west-northwest. I was busy all day fixing our place for our goods. The winds continued the same all day until evening when it increased and Tuesday morning we had what the Capt. called "a good" breeze . I did not. I called it too much of one for I was sick. I eat nothing for the day. I tried to, but could not. The wind increased until night (Tuesday) which made a heavy sea and oh, wasn't I sick. I did not sit up from Tuesday morning (or Monday night) until Friday, nor did I eat a mouthfull except l/4 of a Soda Cracker.
The Steward of the Ship was good to me. He would come and bring me things and ask me if there was anything he could do for me. Friday, I came on deck and saw daylight once more. Several of the Officers were sick. One Doct. Lynd, who is now setting by my side at the table reading a book called A Strange Story, was about the same as myself. Our berths were close to gether. We use to hail each other every morning. He recovered about the same as myself. I have become well acquainted with him since that time and find him a very fine man. He is very still and quiet. Looks some like Doct. Warner. I am very much pleased to think I have found such a friend. He gives me advice about my health, etc. The above Doct. Lynd is a member of the 9th Reg't. He goes with us as a passenger.
While I was sick I would stay on my pillow all day and think of my dear wife and the care I should get if I was at home. It was no use although you know I could not help it.
On Friday noon, the Steward of the ship asked me if I would like same Water Gruel. Oh yes, says I, can you make it? Yes, was the reply and then I thought I was well. He brought me a bowl and then I had a good feast. I lived on that for 3 days. He brought it regular until today. I told him I was well.
Ny letter is dated March 31. (it should be April 1st, Tuesday).
Today I feel very well indeed. It is very warm and I enjoy the weather. Yesterday the thermometer stood onboard the ship in the shade at 80 above Zero. Today about the same. I have kept a journal of every day's doings since I came onboard for you to read. It is not very extensive one as time will not permit, and on shipboard as you know, there is so much happening. They all say that they cannot write in their journals.
Out of sight of land, we have seen 3 or 4 vessels. Since we started, they are very scarce.
February 16, 2001
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