1862 June 10 opposite Memphis

[letter of Charels Ellet, Jr., continues]

June 10 --- morning--I have got through another
night, dear Ma, and without suffering, though
with a certain share of annoyance from my wound
and from the confinement.  My position, for a
man wounded in battle, is nearly a very comfortable
one.  My centre bed is in the centre of the [?]
cabin of one of my largest steamers--while
Charles sleeps on the floor by my bed--the Doctor
in the state room opposite--Alfred near by and my
clerk and Eddie at hand. I have every comfort that

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I should reasonably expect to have while disabled.
One of the most troublesome parts of my condition
is the partial[?] paralysis of my foot.   The ball came
from a steamer that I did not see, for we were at
the time in the midst of the enemy's fleet   and I
was struck about three inches above the knee joint on
the left side of the back of the left leg--and I
think has passed around and lodged in the right
hand side of the front of the leg  but still above
the joint.  It must have touched some larger
nerve to induce the pains I often feel in the
calf of the leg & the sole of the foot.  There
is very little sensation in my foot, though
more than there was.  My [?] to move my
let also increases.
Charles will leave in a few hours for Cairo
to met his Mother.  Alfred has written for Sarah
also to come. If Mary should come with her Mother
--which I think is not unlikely--we shall have
a family party on board the flagship.
I really do not know what I shall do with them
all.  Memphis is not a suitable place for them--
nor a safe place either.  I shall be obliged to keep
them on board of this flag ship.

You must remember me affectionately to Aunt
Hannah and William and Sarah--My great cause
of anxiety now is for Ellie and my little ones--But
your kind friends are so all kind that I feel more
that you will  have all the support that care
and attention can give.
I suffer more this morning from thrilling pains
in the sole of my foot than from any other
cause--which shows injury to some nerve,

                                  Adieu my dear Ma---
                              Your most affectionate Son
                                                   Charles Ellet Jr.

Ellet, in command of the Queen of the West, was wounded in the battle for Memphis


MSS 276