Opposite Memphis
June 9, 1862
My dear Ma
It has been very difficult for me to
write a private letter since I came on this River.
But I tried to write this morning that you
might have a daily letter from me while I am
confined to the cabin. I got Charley to write
hurriedly however, and now commence in
the evening, at an hour when my time is
not so completely engrossed by the cares of the
fleet. First, as to my wound. So far, it
shows no unfavorable symptoms, but leaves me,
generally, very comfortable. today there is more
sensibility in my foot and a material increase in
the power to move my leg, which has been very
numb and paralyzed. Dr. Roberts says that the period
has passed when the danger of inflamation[sic] of the knee
joint is probable, unless it should be produced by
premature movement. My general health continues
to be surprisingly good. The weather is very
pleasant and my position on the Switzerland is
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very comfortable. It is depressing, however, to be bed-
ridden just at this moment when there is so much
work to be done. But Alfred must try his hand
at it to-morrow. He and Eddie and Charles
are all well.
I telegraphed to Elvira the day I was wounded
to join me because I knew she would come,
and it was impossible to forsee the result of a
wound so near the knee. The ball has not been
extracted, and I suppose will never be found.
It is impossible to determine its course. I shall
send Charles up to Cairo to-morrow to receive
his Mother and bring her down to Memphis.
Alfred has written to Sarah to join us here–as
much to nurse Ellie as to comfort me. I
greatly fear the effect of this journey on Elvira.
It is entirely too much for her to undertake.
But I know she would undertake it, and
thought it was better that she should have the
satisfaction of knowing that I advised her to
come. but it is a great undertaking for
her. I do not know who her escort will be, and
fear the consequences of the excitement and fatigue.
I am glad to see that you still bear up so well.
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amid all this increased anxiety. We received a letter
from you this morning dated the 4th, and I got
one at the same time from Mary and Nina of the 2d.
I have not written to Mary since the battle,
because Charles started the idea in my mind that
she might accompany her mother. The truth is,
that the cares of this fleet have absorbed so much of my
attention that it has been impossible for me to attend
in the least to my family or private affairs.
If Mary does not accompany her Mother you must
send my letters to you immediately to her. I will
try to close my letter in the morning before the mail
leaves–though it is very difficult to write at that hour-
This is the only leisure hour of the day.
letter of Charles Ellet, commander of the Queen of the West, wounded in the naval battle for Memphis will continue on the 10th. Alfred Ellet was a Lieutenant Colonel in his brother’s ram fleet.
Elvira and Sarah were their respective wives. Charley, Mary and Nina were Charles’s children.
MSS 276