Description:

(UNION NAVY) ‘POWDER MONKEY' WRITES TO HIS FATHER: ‘THE BOAT I AM ON HAS BEEN IN SIX BATTLES AND HAS NOT HAD BUT ONE MAN KILLED'
Fine content letter, 3pp. 8vo., [James River], Aug. 17, 1862, from young Union Navy sailor Frederic Sherman to his father. Writing aboard his ship, the armed ferry USS MORSE, Sherman describes his ship's recent actions, in full: ‘I thouth i would write and tell you that i was well and arrived hear safe. I had a beautiful ride the citys aint half so handsome as i thouth thay was. I had to stop hear and go on deck to go to my place at the gun we went down the river to care the male and we wear afraid that the rebbles would fire on us they have four or five times. My station at the gun is powder man and than i am the side boy that is to wate on the captain when he gets in the goat he has to go from one goat to another about 5 -6- times a day. I thought i would write now because they say they aint a going to send any more letters because they are going to attact fort Darling and then ond to Richmond. I dont know anything more to write I have had a very good time so far the boat i am in is going with the others to fight sooner the better. I have read enought about fighting now I am going to see it. I want you to send me a paper or a book. Billy Whall and I are on the same boat and another Watertown boy his name is McCabe he went to school with me. The boat i am on has been in six battles and has not had but one man killed. They make a real pet of me hear i don't know of anything els to write so i will have to stop something els i have four hours sleep one night and eight hours the next, we have to be on the watch night we take turns. I came away sooner than i expected. Your son Frederic Sherman Direct your letter Frederic Sherman U S Steamer Morse Jamestown I cant stop to write anymore they wont me on deck excuse my writing i had to borrow the things goodbye [all sic]'. Shows original mailing folds, with a collector's pencil inscription on the verso, otherwise in fine condition.

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November 14, 2025 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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