Dear Mother,

We have started on the Expedition.  We are anchored about 25 miles from Fortress Monroe. The pilot has lost his course; the fog is so thick.  We shall start as soon as it clears off.  We went on board the boat Monday afternoon and started yesterday at 10 o’clock and cast anchor at half past eleven last night.   We had a light fall of snow at Annapolis. The weather was pretty cold when we got on board.

We got paid off before we left Annapolis.  The boys most all got out in the city and got drunk.  There was hardly a sober man in the regiment.  When we got aboard there were no fire on board the boat and we were most froze.  We have little low bunks one above the other.  We sleep warm but it is rather uncomfortable getting about.  The first day we had nothing to eat from morning till night and then we had some hard crackers, salt beef and coffee.  Our water is in whiskey barrels.  It is so cold we can hardly drink it.  Our coffee is made of the same.  It has a very bad taste.  I made out to buy a quarters worth of cheese.  It made a great addition to my meals.

I saw Uncle Charles several times before we left Annapolis.  The rest of the troops are out of sight.  I suppose they have anchored.  We towed a vessel with the 9th New Jersey on.  I shall send this ashore when we get to Fortress Monroe.  I shall send some money if I can, by express.  If I cannot, I shall send $15 in this letter.  If there is none in this letter, look out for the express.  I don’t think of anything more to write.  I shall write again when we get to port or before we leave, so goodbye.

This from your son,

Henry W. Brown

Jan 11th.

We arrived at Fortress Monroe last night.  It is a fine looking place.  There is an immense number of steamers, brigs, men-o-war, schooners, gunboats and vessels here.  We are anchored opposite the fort.  I don’t know if we shall go on shore or not.   We shall stay here several days, I suppose.  I don’t know whether I can send any money or not.

Goodbye,

Henry W. Brown

1862