Letter, 1863 Jan. 24-25

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Hodges, David L., b.ca. 1841. Letter, 1863 Jan. 24-25

Letter, 1863 Jan. 24-25

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/310369540

Letter, 24-25 January 1863, from Union soldier David L. Hodges, to his parents in Norton, Massachusetts, while in transit along the Atlantic coast with his unit, the 4th Massachusetts Infantry, from New York to New Orleans. Hodges began writing on 24 Jan, 1863 while "On Board the Steam Propeller Continental Somewhere on the Florida Coast" and finished the letter during a stop on Key West. While on board the ship he witnessed a burial at sea held for Zacheus Macumber, who had died from "the brain fever... brought on by sea sickness." The service was conducted by Benjamin Franklin Whittemore, chaplain of the 53rd Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. During Reconstruction, Whittemore served in the United States House of Representatives and as a state senator in the S.C. General Assembly. Once on Key West, Florida, Hodges is struck by the beauty of his surroundings, the mild climate, and the abundance of fruit. He notes, "of all the scenes I ever saw this surpasses all everything is green and such oranges you never saw in your life.... I cannot describe the beauty of the scenery and climate... if peace should be settled I should live in the Sunny South... it must contrast strangely with the climate in Norton at the present time." He seems surprised by the friendly reception the troops have received from locals, but notes that "I guess they have to be by the number of Gunboats that lie in the stream."

1 item.

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