USS Frigate Susquehanna
Navy Yard
Brooklyn, New York

March 12, 1865

Dear Annie,

I can write but little this time. I sometimes think that the severity of my last to you has made matters worse for me. I can only conjecture, but I hope I am wrong. At least I would be obliged to you for an explanation as my doubts increase daily through the long silence. If I spoke rudely or immodestly through my letter, I cast myself at your feet humbly for pardon, with the assurance of utter innocence. Nothing that could tend to harrow your feelings was ever entertained in my mind, much less communicate it. If I have said anything of the kind, I will charge my pen with the offence which must have written what my mind nir dictated. My defense is weak, I must admit. But since my recollection is so murky, what can I do? Well, I will exercise patience and wait your reply which may clear up the whole affair and leave me in the sunshine.

I would like to hear that old blind guitarist again, wouldn’t you? But I hope the next time we go together. My funds will be increased. Didn’t I look sheepish that evening when those specimens of the Black art was presented for sale by the amiable Miss Price, our Preceptress? Our Lady Carver’s furs came very useful to play with at that moment. Well, I had to resort to something to avoid the plate. Never mind Annie. We’ll drown the reflections in a sleighride some day and will try in the future to avoid attending such places unprovided with the needful. – So much.

You challenged twenty more correspondents through your last to me – at least I understood so. I have found you one – a countryman at that and a shipmate of mine. Will you allow me to introduce him to you through my lines, feeling assured you will never regret it? He has begged of me to make him acquainted with some of my friends. The same is of nothing more than [his] desire for a cheerful correspondent. I hope you will gratify him with a line through me. By way of introduction, he has adopted the South America plan of offering a small gift to commence with. The gift is a Lithograph engraving of the bombardment of “Fort Fisher” which I trust you will accept merely as a gift. He is a thorough seaman and holds a No. 1 Petty Officer in this ship, which position he has reached by promotion from seaman. He possesses good qualities and exercises moral habits. His education has been acquired in a cock-pit of an English Man-of-war where he has had the honour of service twelve years – and most of that period in national strife. He has participated in many bloody battles in the Russian, China wars, & the present Rebellion. Miss Mary Ann Morgan will give you the picture, but knows nothing of you and it. Accept my sincere regards and my friend’s respects. Trusting you will answer soon, I remain, your cousin, -- Harry F. Evans

[My shipmate's name is] David Jones – 24 years, height 5 ft. 11 in.

Please excuse the scribbling. I will do better the next time. Write soon as we expect to leave soon. About the 30th inst., it is rumored that we will go on a Brazil station.



A Lithograph of the Bombardment of Fort Fisher
(the USS Susquehanna was one of the ships engaged)

The rank of Chief Petty Officer did not become effective until 1893. Prior to that, it was known as No. 1 Petty Officer.