24 April
Charles writes to Papa that he has been ill with Dysentry, he was better, and had been so kindly treated by Mr Nightengale and Comodere Tatnel. He says after this his letters are to be directed to Captain Morris.—He is in charge of the Warship. He had a very fine colt at Papa’s which in this letter he requested Papa to send to him as he wished to present it to Mr Nightengale.—The colt died just a few days since, and I am sorry for Charles’ loss, but I do not think Mr N. would like to accept such a present: as his daughter has refused Charles.—
Mrs Butles had joined a party going North, the journey was to be very long, round by Tenasee . The Cumberland river, Ohio river to Pitsburg in Pennsylvania.—
Mr John Elliott’s Father preached for us & gave the Communion on Sunday, the son is a better preacher.—The old gentleman looks stuffy and fading away, as we all are.—The mails are stopped from the North, and consequently we are quite at a loss for news; the last accounts were very warlike, from Maryland there had been a meeting between the people of Baltamore & the troops coming from New York & Pennsylvania, ordered to Washington by Mr Lincoln. Lewis is trying now to get his Company, the St Paul’s Rifles to volunteer to go to Virginia in the 1 Regiment, Col. Johnston Petigrew commander. They don’t seem so willing, these men, as the Officers & Lewis have been going round the Parish to try and get the complement of men. On Saturday they had 12, including Officers, and they require 45. I don’t think they have much chance.
Lewis seems to have been very unsuccessful in his plans up here, he tried raising hogs and finding it would not pay has sold out to some man in the Pineland who I am sure will never pay him, his whole stock for $80.—