The following letter was written by Henry (“Harry”) Hamilton Tyson (1846-1915), the son of Daniel Tyson (1803-1899) and Louisa Jane Robertson (1815-1897)—formerly of Covington, St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, but relocated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the late 1850s. A family history informs us that Henry enlisted on 9 June 1862 in the US Navy and shipped aboard the Sloop of War Saratoga. He was later transferred to the US Frigate Powhatan—the flag ship for the West Indian Squadron under Admiral Porter. He participated in the capture of Fort Fisher in January 1865 when the Powhatan was disabled and sent to the Navy Yard. He was discharged at Boston on 25 September 1865 and returned to Philadelphia where he engaged in the milk business. He married Clara Virginia Alward in 1875.

In his letter, he refers to his older sister Lydia Tyson (1838-1912) and addresses his letter to his older brother Jonathan (“John”) Knight Tyson (1840-1918) who enlisted in Co. L, 2nd Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery on 15 February 1864. Prior to his enlistment Jonathan was employed as a milk man in Philadelphia.

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

Fortress Monroe

November 23rd [1864]

Dear Brother,

I received your letter & was very glad to hear that you was well. I expect you seen a good bit of sport when you was up North. Did any of the girls ask about me? Did Lydia Williams say anything about my leaving home so mysterious? I will tell you some of these days the reason I shipped.

Oh yes, you spoke about being at Hampton Roads the other day. I came ashore all dressed up in style expecting to see you but alas! you had vamoosed when I got ashore. I would have given anything to have seen you in your soldier clothes.

I wrote to several young gals on the old route but I won’t mention any names. I was struck when I heard you had enlisted. I guess you don’t get your fried oysters & lemonade where you are now. Oh yes, we had a concert on board a few days ago—it was pretty good.

How long have you enlisted for & did you get any sugar? I hope you did. When you write home, send my best love to all the old folks at home. How does Mother & Father & Lydia look? Do they look worried any?

I am now sitting at my mess chest a writing. The Boys are coding me by saying, “Give my best love to her, Harry,” and blowing out the candle. John, take good care of yourself and look out for the lead pills [bullets]. No more at present, so take an affectionate love from your brother, — Harry Tyson

I was rated to Ordinary Seaman. P. S. Write soon.