Letter from Wm B. Stevens, dated 1864-03-24

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Sanitary Commission, "Camp Parole" Annapolis, Mar. 24th 1864

Dear Mother:

Thine of 3d, 6th & 20th is just received and as at the first of the dates thee calls my letters short & unfrequent I will allow no time to pass unnecessarily, till I answer this one. I thought, when I came here that we should all be able to come home, on furlough, soon, but found men here who were paroled four mos. before, who had not been able to get away yet; so I got over my anxiety on the subject as well as I could; in spite of this, I intend to come home if there is any chance for it, but you need not look for me before the last of next month.

I was very anxious to be there during the sugar Season but gave it up some days since, and depend on the Express for my share of sugar this year.

We are not exchanged yet, and only the ones who were paroled before Sept. 1863 are, so we are to stay here for orders

Last edit over 1 year ago by MaryV
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I too, deemed it a special favor to be paroled, when I was, though there has been one or two more cargos, since then one having arrived here and another being expected now, so it seems the "flat" refusal of the ribs, is of little account. I have, what I receive as [underline]unquestionable[/underline] authority for beleiving that two hundred pounds of powder were placed under the ten hundred Officrs, confined at Libby Prison; that a slow match was connected with the train and a soldier was stationed, with fire to apply, on the arrival of Kilpatrick or on any signs of an outbreak among the victims. All comunication between the several floors, was cut off by removing the stair cases, and a Guard was stationed in each ward at night to prevent any "tunnelling." Though the explosion did not take place, the rashness of the "Corn-Techs" will fall heavily on their own [Krews?] for the Officers and men will be the most desperate men it is possible to find, when they are at the front again.

Last edit about 3 years ago by catslover
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which was a work of [underline]time[/underline] be called business. My place as Sergeant is retained in the Company yet, but until I am exchanged I cannot tell of my detail at Hd. Qrs. though I think Cap. Galt, if he returns to duty will wish for me again. I have a foolish Idea that I am [underline]rather[/underline] necessary to him, in his business. Night before last was as severe a night as I have seen for three years and the four inches of snow which fell there is with us yet tho' to-day's sun makes it [?] some. From thy tell, the old neighborhood is all broken up, from what it was when I left it "So [mote?] it be" I suppose. I may as [underline]well[/underline] say: by thy accounts wages are high, as well as other things. Tim. is welcome to be a Prisoner of War as soon as he chooses to be, though my experience there would induce me to "Flock to his rescue" as soon as I could raise force enough to do so with any prospect of success.

Last edit about 3 years ago by catslover
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I need write no more of the semibarbarities threatened by those who were in power over us in Richmond. If I come home ever, I can tell some things of which I should not wish to even [underline]hint[/underline] in writing. I got the draft which Thomas so kindly sent me and find the funds, it procured for me, very agreeable, and useful; for the Box and its contents, I shall Thank you all when I receive it; till then, will not attempt. My appetitie is very good & I do not fear to gratify it as what I eat has [?] desired effect, viz. appeases hunger, and increases my flesh & strength and has no bad effect. My Valise need not be sent to me, as I have no need of the things in it at present. I had sent to the Div. for the things, because I thought if they were there, I would prefer to have them when I could use and care for them. I was Ironical when I spoke or wrote of being so busy here, unless eating, which [underline]was[/underline] a [underline]weighty[/underline] employment and sleeping

Last edit about 3 years ago by catslover
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I do not think thee is right in thinking my mind is soured against Friends, though I [underline]do[/underline] think they acted unwisely and inadvisedly in my case as well as, in the case of Macomber & Dakin.

I did not received thy letter to Richmond only this one, of Mar 1.th [?] it. If I am ever there again write [underline]more[/underline] frequently, as they are just as likely to go through, and only one in three or four are supposed to get there at any rate, I did not get Henry's, either. Three of Ann's and one from Mary were all I received by mail, I believe.

Last edit about 3 years ago by catslover
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