Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 32.djvu/75

 Attempted Sale of the Federal Fleet. 63

U. S. S. PITTSBURG, OFF RODNEY, November 5, 1864. Sir, The inclosed letter has just been handed me by Acting- Second-Assistant Engineer W. H. Mitchell, of this vessel, who says it was handed to him by one of the men of the Rattler^ some ten days since, while she was laying alongside of this vessel, with the quest that he (Mr. Mitchell ) would send it on shore for him. Mr. Mitchell did not send it on shore, as he knew it was contrary to do so without my permission, and as he knew that I had some let- ters returned to Captain Glenney a few days before, which were addressed to the same person, he thought it not while to ask me. After the Vindicator passed down this P. M., from which vessel we learned of the desertion of Captain Glenney, Mr. Mitchell opened the letter and seeing the nature of the contents, immediately brought it to me. The person to whom the letter is addressed is a young lady living in the town of Rodney, and as near as I have been able to learn, is no relation whatever of Captain G's.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. R. HOEL, Acting Volunteer-Lieutenant, Commanding.

LIEUTENANT COMMANDER R. L. MAY, United States Navy, Com- manding Fifth District Mississippi Squadron.

The letter alluded to by Mr. Hoel reads as follows :

U. S. S. RATTLER, Wednesday morning, 10 o'clock.

My Dearest Cousin, Once more I have the pleasure of behold- ing the pleasant hills of your little town, but, alas, it is a mournful one, for I am still in durance vile, and with no prospect of an immediate release.

The insult that has been put upon me by the servant of an imbe- cile government has sunk deep into my heart. Ifnow live for one purpose, and that is deep, bitter revenge, I will sacrifice home, kindred, aye, my dearest friends, to accomplish my aim. Like a snake I will sting when least expected, and my name shall be a ter- ror to every Yankee. The haunts of old ocean are too familiar to me to fear their fast cruisers, for will not my bonny barque be equally as swift? Do not reproach me, dear cousin, and abhor me for my intentions, but you wish me to be all confidence with you, or else you would not know my future intentions. There are other