Georgia: Early County: Civil War Letters Lt. Gift to Ellen 1864 submitted by: Joan Herndon Apr 2002 **************************************************************************** USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store this file permanently for free access. **************************************************************************** Lt. Gift states that he is very much in love with Ellen and that they have been entertained royally by friends and relatives since coming to COLUMBUS more than 15 days ago......Ellen is to accompany him down river on the "Chattahoochee" as far as the HOME LANDING. He will continue on an expedition to Apalachicola. May 5, 1864--C.S. Steamer My force will consist of 130 men and officers in 9 boats. My men are in splendied spirits and I am confident of success. He expresses how lonely he is without his Ellen but what a reunion it will be when he returns, He said when he returned wouldn't he tell her of the hairbreadth escapes by land and sea, and wouldn't he build castles in the air? and then she will take her guitar and sing him "My Nannie O." Ellen writes back to him, May 6, 1864 I write to my precious husband, My prayer is that the One who has ever been merciful ---is guarding his life in safety; return to me quickly.........Each object in this room reminds me of you, and I cherish every recollection with loving tenderness. My Bible and the Shakespeare which you were reading still lie on the toilet table as we left them, and on opening the closet door, you don't know how much pleasure, and what an agreeable surprise, a sight of your uniform gave me. On returning, I found Mother much improved; my Father is able again to ride over the fields. How much I have to hope for now. Yes, I think I love you too much. Lt. Gift speaks again: My plan of action for the CHATTAHOOCHEE is to keep the Chattahoochee, Flint and Appalachicola Rivers clear of the enemy. We will make a desperate effort to capture one or more vessels blockading Appalachicola. At this time the coast is blockaded by the U.S. Steamer SOMERSET and the ADELA and our plans are to board in small boats one of these vessels, man her and attempt to capture the other and, if successful, break the blockade and run the vessels into Mobile or burn them. Our boats are fitted with muffled oars, grapnels, incendiary materials, signal flags, lanterns, compasses, medical stores, provisions, etc. Our officers and men and about 20 volunteers from Company F., Bouneau's Battalion of Confederate Soldiers. These are armed with rifles, muskets, shotguns, revolvers and cutlasses, with over a 1000 rounds of ammunition. Everything is ready; the boats are to proceed down the Appalachicola River on our hazardous enterprise. Volunteers Col. D.P. Holland, Aide to the Governor of Florida; Surgeon Cherry, First Ga. Regulars; A.G. Sparks, Signal Officer and Capt. Blount in command of the Volunteers from Bouneau's Battalion. more on this journey, time permitting...jh