1862 January 9 Mulberry

My dear Mary [Edmonia Berkeley Noland]

I have not had a line from
home since yours of the 19th Dec --I am well, &
have spent some very pleasant hours with Barny
who commands a steamer anchored off this Pt

It has been so long since I heard from
home, that I hardly know what to say or
what names to write...The Fleet at Old Pt
Keeps on looking out day Y night. I hope it
will come up & fight or leave for some other
place. I am not pleased with my post, &
would like to have it changed, but shall not at
this time ask anything of the Kind. I could mess
with Ficklen or Barney, both being anxious I should
do so and be as near to my guns as I am in this
house, but dispatches could not at night reach me
so readily---- I think 21 days a long time
not to have heard a word from my children, & the
sick when the last letter was written-----

At night January 9th I have just had 2 letters one from [?]
& yourself dated Dec. 25th & the other from you post marked
January 3d or 8th I cant make out which...I am very anxious
about the children and wish I could be with them.
I think you will not be able to get salt--I am glad
Mr Sucra is to remain at Airwell---I have not
received my appointment. Magruder thinks it is only
because they have not time to make them out in
Richmond--I am called Col but that does not
pay me ---I am very tired & have recd two dis-
patches to day, so be on the look out One I send
with this to show you how often I have to trot
round & see things in order---You Hanover folks
have not felt the war, but you will----
My love to all, & many kisses for
my dear children

Yours C.St.G. Noland

Callender St. George Noland, 1813-1879
MSS 6463