Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 32.djvu/76

 64 Southern Historical Society Papers.

brave hearts that will sail under my orders, who are now serving under Federal Government. You, who are the only being that I claim as a friend, will not, I hope, despise me. Do not call me a traitor; remember that I have been true and faithful to the Federals till they wrongfully abused me, and I will protest against them forever. We have come here for the purpose of getting coal, but as there is none here, we shall proceed on to Natchez.

I shall expect to get a nice letter from you on my return. Tear this letter up as soon as you have read it. Did you get my letter I sent by hand ?

Hoping that we may meet again, I remain as ever,

Your affectionate cousin,

D. P. S. Please excuse that bad-looking blot.

(Envelope addressed : "Miss MINNIE WILCOX (or Wilcore) Rod- ney, Miss.")

UNITED STATES MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK,

MOUNT CITY, November 18, 1864.

Sir, Referring to my No. 2, of 2d inst. , I inclose a copy of a communication dated yth inst., from Lieutenant-Commander R. L. May, with inclosures, as therein stated, reporting the desertion of Acting-Master G. W. Glenney, late commanding the Rattler, and Acting-Ensign E. P. Nellis, of the same vessel, on the 4th inst.

The Department's letter of the 8th inst., giving instructions as to the disposition to be made of Acting-Master Glenny's case, was received on the I2th inst. I have the honor to be, sir,

Very respectfully yours,

S. P. LEE, Acting Rear-Admiral, Commanding Mississippi Squadron.

HON. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

NATCHEZ, November 7, 1864.

Captain French, of the transport Brown had a friend to visit him at Vicksburg (on his last trip down) who was a prisoner at some place back of Vicksburg. While confined one night in a room adjoining one occupied by rebel officers, he overheard them discuss-