1862 April 8 C.S. Naval Hospital

C. S. Naval Hospital
April 8th 1862

My Dear Mother
I have been anxiously expecting
a letter from you, but as yet none has come, it is
now almost two weeks since I have heard from
you, and you have no idea how a letter from
home cheers up a wounded man. Have you
heard from Mr Page lately, if so write me
all about him, for I am very anxious about
him. I sincerely hope he may be so lucky as
to pass through the war unhurt. Give my
best love to him when you write. Old Abe's
nightmare, the "Virginia" goes down to day to
give the Yankies another round, success to her!
It makes me feel so bad to see the fleet going
down, and I , poor cripple not able to go down
with them, but better times are coming I hope
My health is excellent, and I am improving
every day, my arm will be healed sufficient
for me to come up, and spend a week or so
with you in May. The Confederates are still
victorious but A.S. Johnson is dead. Hood is
nearly well and all send their kindest regards
to you. I am looking every day for the box
also, you can send it easy enough by the
express company, please send it, if it is not
too much trouble to you. Dick is as attentive
as ever. I go about everywhere now and have
fattened up considerably. Kiss the children
for me, and tell the servants howday, and
now Dear Mother--Goodbye--Your Son R. H. C.

Robert A. Camm, 1842-1892, was a midshipman in the U.S. Navy before resigning his position to become a midshipman on the CSS Ellis. He lost his left arm in action at Roanoke Island in February 1862, but returned to service. He resided in Lynchburg, Virginia, after the war. His mother was Olivia Alexander Camm Page and the Mr. Page to whom he refers would be his step-father Edwin R. Page.

MSS 8937