The following letter was written by Franklin (“Frank”) Garland who enlisted at the age of 19 on 20 November 1861 as a Landsman in the US Navy. He was later promoted to a Paymaster’s Steward and then mustered out of the Navy on 10 December 1864. He was initially on the receiving ship USS Ohio but then assigned to the USS Commodore, a side wheel steamer built in New Orleans and fitted for service with the West Gulf Blockading Squadron. She was renamed the Fort Gaines on 1 September 1864. He may have possibly served aboard the USS Portsmouth as well.

Frank was the son of Leonard Sawyer Garland (1815-1876) and Elmira H. Whitcomb (1817-1880). He was the eldest of several children the next oldest being Ann (“Annie”) Elizabeth Garland (1844-1936) whose name appears on this envelope. Frank was described in Navy records as standing 5′ 8″ tall, with hazel eyes and brown hair.

Transcription

US Steamer Fort Gaines
New basin off New Orleans, La.
September 28th [1864]

Dear Mother,

I now seat myself to write you a few lines to let you know that I am well as usual and I hope these few lines will find you enjoying the same happiness. I received a letter that you wrote to the Captain of the Portsmouth. He opened it and then sent it to me. You say that you haven’t heard from me since June but I can’t see into that for I wrote to you in July & August. They must have got miscarried somehow. I am very sorry because it only made you worry about me for nothing.

I wrote to Annie not long ago. I don’t see where all my letters go to. I wrote in my last letter for my clothes to wear home if they are fit to wear. My time is out now in a little while and then I will be a free man once more which I never was yet.

You said something about the colt in your last letter. Tell father to not keep him on my account for perhaps I would never want to use him. Please send my over coat if nothing more as I can’t get one here short of $25. I will draw to a close now as I have nothing more very interesting to write. So goodbye. From your son, — Frank

By the way, please direct to the U.S. Steamer Fort Gaines of N. Orleans, La. Our [vessel’s] name has been changed by order of Admiral Farragut.