Unbound
1864 · (St. Helena Island, South Carolina
by HALL, Thomas G.
(St. Helena Island, South Carolina, 1864. Unbound. Near Fine. Autograph Letter, Signed. Octavo. 2pp. U.S. Sloop of War Saratoga, St. Helena Island, South Carolina: Sept 18 [1864]. Near fine. In this letter addressed to his parents, Thomas Hall gives a brief, detailed account of the USS *Saratoga’s* military raids of August and September, 1864. The letter reads in part:
“The Steamer *Harvest Moon* came up last night bringing dispatches and a mail. I received two letters one directed May 29th and Sept 4th. We have been blockading off the coast of Georgia in Doboy and St. Andrews Sound, Georgia. We came up here about two weeks ago. I am detached at present on the Schooner *Wild Cat* doing picket duty between Port Royal and here. We were on 8 or 9 expeditions while we were at Doboy Sound. this is the first chance we have had of sending letters since we left Port Royal. You must excuse this short letter for the mail bag is about to close. I send you some trophys taken on our expeditions. You need not expect me home until the first of November. You state in your letter May 29 that you think I am angry with you of Libbie Horton. You’re mistaken entirely, this is the first chance I have had since we left the Break water … You hardly need not write as I don’t believe we will be here long.”
The Saratoga’s important raiding parties, of which Hall participated in “8 or 9 expeditions,” were led by the ship’s captain, George Musalas “Colvos” Colvocoresses. They were responsible for the capture of over 100 Confederate soldiers and more than 20 horses. They also successfully freed over 70 slaves and confiscated large quantities of ammunition, ordnance, and supplies, in addition to destroying an important salt works and strategic bridges. A scarce, first-hand account. Only about 100 sailors participated in the *Saratoga’s* raids. (Inventory #: 583092)
“The Steamer *Harvest Moon* came up last night bringing dispatches and a mail. I received two letters one directed May 29th and Sept 4th. We have been blockading off the coast of Georgia in Doboy and St. Andrews Sound, Georgia. We came up here about two weeks ago. I am detached at present on the Schooner *Wild Cat* doing picket duty between Port Royal and here. We were on 8 or 9 expeditions while we were at Doboy Sound. this is the first chance we have had of sending letters since we left Port Royal. You must excuse this short letter for the mail bag is about to close. I send you some trophys taken on our expeditions. You need not expect me home until the first of November. You state in your letter May 29 that you think I am angry with you of Libbie Horton. You’re mistaken entirely, this is the first chance I have had since we left the Break water … You hardly need not write as I don’t believe we will be here long.”
The Saratoga’s important raiding parties, of which Hall participated in “8 or 9 expeditions,” were led by the ship’s captain, George Musalas “Colvos” Colvocoresses. They were responsible for the capture of over 100 Confederate soldiers and more than 20 horses. They also successfully freed over 70 slaves and confiscated large quantities of ammunition, ordnance, and supplies, in addition to destroying an important salt works and strategic bridges. A scarce, first-hand account. Only about 100 sailors participated in the *Saratoga’s* raids. (Inventory #: 583092)
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