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brave hearts that will sail under my orders, who are now serving under Federal Government.
You, who are the only being that I claim as a friend, will not, I hope, despise me. Do not call me a traitor; remember that I have been true and faithful to the Federals till they wrongfully abused me, and I will protest against them forever.
We have come here for the purpose of getting coal, but as there is none here, we shall proceed on to Natchez.
I shall expect to get a nice letter from you on my return.
Tear this letter up as soon as you have read it. Did you get my letter I sent by hand?
Hoping that we may meet again, I remain as ever, Your affectionate cousin,
D.
P. S.—Please excuse that bad-looking blot.
(Envelope addressed: ‘Miss Minnie Wilcox (or Wilcore) Rodney, Miss.’) United States Mississippi Squadron, flagship Black Hawk, Mount city, November 18, 1864.
Sir,—Referring to my No. 2, of 2d inst., I inclose a copy of a communication dated 7th inst., from Lieutenant-Commander R. L. May, with inclosures, as therein stated, reporting the desertion of Acting-Master G. W. Glenney, late commanding the Rattler, and Acting-Ensign E. P. Nellis, of the same vessel, on the 4th inst.
The Department's letter of the 8th inst., giving instructions as to the disposition to be made of Acting-Master Glenny's case, was received on the 12th inst.
I have the honor to be, sir,
Very respectfully yours, S. P. Lee, Acting Rear-Admiral, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. Hon. Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.
Natchez, November 7, 1864.
Captain French, of the transport Brown had a friend to visit him at Vicksburg (on his last trip down) who was a prisoner at some place back of Vicksburg.
While confined one night in a room adjoining one occupied by rebel officers, he overheard them discussing