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[begin inverted writing] This is about the dulest place for news that I was ever in. Have recd. but one letter from you, since have been here. Yesterday the flags of the fort were at half mast the report is that a vessel with the 219 which on board, have sunk in coming from N.O. here, although [illegible] it may be on a report May God grant that it is for it is a splendid Regt. [inverted writing end] Barrancas Fla. Feb. 22nd Dear Sallie The National Salute in honor of Washingtons birth day has just ceased firing. Time has never flowed so rapidly with me as since being in the service of my Country. I can hardly ralize that two years have passed away since I was on picket at Youngs Point and heard the Salute fired from all Gun Boats at the Mouth of Yazoo river And yet such is the case and an eventful two years it has been to my self