April 2, 1862
Wednesday - April 2nd, 1862
Today we have a change. We saw a Bank this morning from the Capes (Philadelphia).. They left there one day after we left New York. The name was Fauk Lenning. The Captain of our ship wired him to report us at Key West which he said he would do. Therefore you may see us reported before vou receive this, that is if we do not stop at Key West.
I just come from the Quarterdeck. The Captain told me that we were 350 miles from Key West - Six Hundred from Ship Island. Just at dark, we are in sight of Bahama Islands. We are running down the Banks, as it is called, steering South by West. You can see the Atlas or map. I think we shall be on Ship Island by Monday night.
In passing the Island of Isacs today, we saw the Light House and that was all there was to be seen except the place called by Mariners Hole in the Wall. The Island is under British government, but very few inhabitants and the most they raise is Pineapples which I wish I could get a lot of live ones and send to you. We saw a small craft which we looked at with our glasses and saw it was loaded with fruit. The Capt. of our ship said they were bound to Nassau, an island about 30 miles distant.
You may think it strange I do not call our Capt., which I have spoken of, by his name. I am a Yankee and think everybody knows his name because I do. It is Capt. Lalter. Also, you may think it very strange that I mention so small things, but they are great rarities at sea to see land and small boats.
The most of the Officers are writing tonight thinking tomorrow a chance to send home. Wait & Champion are not very well. I am feeling extremely well tonight and hope I will continue so to feel. Our business is very limited now as our goods are stowed where we cannot get them. For my benefit, I shall contine to write until we reach a point where we send our letters. If you should receive two or three, you must not be surprised for knowing as I do that a letter will be received by you with great thankfull-ness, and as am obliged to stop this sheet. Oh, that I could think there was a possibility of my receiving one small word from you. I cannot look for it under 4 weeks. Oh, seems now as if I had been gone from home 4 months. The long nights which I pass are undescribable Only one thing to console me. The war time will be short.
Give my love to Father, Mother, Brothers & Sisters. Tell them all to write me if they can, one word in your letter if you have room. Tell Miss Bell not to make any mistakes and write our folks and tell them all about where I am. If I write them they may not qet it and I mention the same in my letters home so to be sure some of you will hear from me if possible. I commence another letter to you tomorrow.
Send papers when you can.
H
Ship "City of New York" at Sea April 2nd, 1862
In closing my letter, I find there is not room on my sheet. I take a small piece more. It will not do, however, to make them over right to send. The chances are not good for their going. In closing, I would say for you to be sure and not worry about me as my health is a No. 1 and I have lots of friends to look out for me. Since I have been writing, our Capt. has been here to me and offered me something which he brought from home. He wanted I should go to his quarters, but I had a letter of more importance to write. One Leiut. is calling land. I've got something for you. I told him to wait until I got through my letter. He says yes, but has just called again for land. I can't see it until I get this letter done. Any how, hoping you will enjoy yourself until I return. The Leiut. says stop. I shan't do it, but I must for the paper will exceed the postage and then they may not take it.
Remaining your sincere husband not yet fulfilling your dream of my return from the South. With all the love a husband can bestow upon a wife, I do hereby send you.
Hoping soon to hear from you, I remain ever
Henry S. Lord
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