Battle of Fort Fisher Letter by One of the Men who charged the Fort on the Seafront

This legal-size letter is written on blue Confederate imported stationery, which our writer captured in Fort Fisher.  “It is rebel paper and therefore something of a curiosity.”  The letter was written by Lewis B. Hutchinson, who served on board the U.S. Steamer Juniata.  Since Lewis is writing his wife, he only signs the letter, “Your fondly attached husband, Lewis”.  Fortunately, the letter comes with a “U.S. SHIP” cover addressed with his wife’s full name.  While the letter is in excellent condition, written in nice dark ink, the cover is poor but readable and displays well.  Here is the content:

U. S. Steamer “Juniata”
Port Royal, S.C.
February 5th, 1865.

I have delayed along about writing to you, my dearest Lib, on account of wishing to be stationary somewhere, and also that I might be able to have everything fixed in reference to your drawing my half pay.  Well, we are a fixture for some time at least at this place, and I will tell you about the half pay before I close this letter. In reference to the fight at “Fort Fisher,” I was one of the party sent ashore from this ship and by God’s mercy, escaped unharmed through all of its perils. We charged the fort on the seafront in the most dangerous place and were repulsed with fearful loss, the musketry firing was the most terrific that I ever encountered, and I ought to be something of a judge whilst the grape and canister shot came among us like rain. I do not see how anyone escaped alive or unhurt. Wearied out I came on board of our vessel about nine o’clock at night and the Fort surrendered about 1/2 past ten. The surrender was a cause of the greatest rejoicing among us as all were tired of the job. The day after the surrender, we made sail for this place where we have been lying ever since. I would have written sooner, but we only get a mail once every ten days, and then it is some time more before there is a chance to send a letter away. This paper that I am now writing on is some that was captured in “Fort Fisher.” In fact, it is Rebel paper and therefore something of a curiosity.

Monday Feb. 6th, 1865.
I closed yesterday so that I could learn this morning about the half pay. The Paymaster is to fix it for me so that you can draw it very soon at any rate before the last of the month. I will write again as soon as all is arranged. I am very glad of this as it has been a source of great annoyance to me to know that you were not drawing the money. Well, I hope that all will now be well. I am anxiously expecting a letter from you and hope the next mail will not disappoint me. I hope that this will find you and Carter both well. Kiss the dear Boy for me and don’t forget to write by every opportunity. Goodbye dearest.

Your affectionate husband,
Lewis

Not only is this an excellent content letter, but can be classified as a Confederate “relic”. 

#L2-5-65 – Price $395