This letter was written by Henry Warren Ballou of Chepachet, Providence, Rhode Island. He was the son of Sabin A. Ballou (1818-1848) and Mary Ann Arnold (1821-1898). Henry Warren Ballou, enlisted in Co. F, 9th Rhode Island Infantry—a regiment that was raised in May 1862 for three months service to garrison the Washington D. C. forts during McClellan’s Peninsula Campaign.

When he wrote this letter in 1864, Henry was a new recruit in the US Signal Corps of the Regular Army.  

Letter 1

New Orleans, [Louisiana]
July 16 [1864]

I seat myself to write to you about my long journey. We left New York July the 6th and got here the 14th. We were out of sight of land about five days. I seen a great many curious things—seen flying fish—and when we got [to the] Mississippi, going up the river I counted 44 alligators. The Mississippi is a splendid river. I never dreamt seeing such a pretty place. It is awful hot and we have poor water but I like it first rate do far. They are not half so strict here.

We expected to go to Natchez but headquarters have been moved here. This is a camp of instruction. There was about 70 men here before we come. Mosquitoes are plenty. We are going to draw mosquito bars. I sleep with [ ].

I feel tired and [ ] long ride. We came on board the Cahaba [?]. We have got a pretty campground and camp out every night and drill. Little boys are round in camp [ ] melons. We see orange trees and everything else. I will write you more when we get settled down. I wrote you a few lines that arrived here safe and sound.

I got paid off 27 dollars. I meant to send some home. I would [have] sent it if had not come away. Well, I shall have to close. I have not got the direction yet…

Henry W. Ballou
Department of the Gulf
New Orleans Signal Camp

I guess that will do. — Henry W. Ballou