David S. Morgan, Letter #16

December 16, 1863
Matagorda Bay, Texas

Dear companion and children

I embrace this another opportunity to let you no that I am yet on the sand among the soldiers I am able to consume al the rations I get at present My earnest prayer is that this will reach and find you all well I will now proceed to give you a short history of our late adventures On the 10th of this instant we left orleans on the steamer Sally Robinerson Run down 70 miles and landed just above forts Jackson and Philip Lay on bord over night Next day the 11th we embarked on the seam ship Blackstone 250 of us the balance on the St Mary and cut out about 12 oclock --- at about 4 P.M. We hove out on the gulf as --- the ship got in motion We commenced getting --- position was on herrican deck It wasnt a half hour --- I had to make my way down to the lower deck --- vomit I found J.W. Simmons thare to join me I was about the first man that vomited but I soon had the majority engaged with me O but I was so sick I soon puked up all I had in me but my guts But still kept trying to vomit more and kept at it all night Thare came up a rain and wind in the night and it seamed as if the ship would turn over I heaved around all night but got no rest Next morning I got back to our quarters on top and lay down Could not eat a bite ------- being out of sight of land 2 days and nights We landed --- ankored off the the bar here at the mouth of this bay about 3 miles from land As our ship drew 13 feet of water she could not go nearer to shore We ankored Sunday the 13th about 11 oclock AM and lay at anchor till next morning when the steamer Alabama took us ashore We are camped on the sand here clost to the sea bay We cant get any fresh water Thare isnt a tree visible any where We have to go about a mile and gather small chunks and sticks to cook with This nothing more les than a sand plain It is verry windy here and the sea roars like a continual train We onley have our gum blankets for shelters We are as much as 500 miles from New Orleans I understand --- past galveston 100 miles or more What our --- opperations will be is more than I can tell --- have given you a short sketch of our trip as best --- and this is about all that I have to write today But Ill say in conclusion still let your prayers follow me though far away I still feel that it is good to be religious Each night sence we have been here I have secreted myself a little aside from camp and got down in the sand and returned thanks for the mercies that has followed me I still expect so to do So enough at present Take special care of all my Texas letters Direct yours as before You need not expect to heare from us veny often Extend my love to all the friends

Your husband as ever
D.S. to Rachel Morgan

Thare is all sorts of the nicest little seashells here I ever ---

* Note: As always, I do not correct the spelling or change the text.

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