Harpswell Historical Society

Incorporated 1979

929 Harpswell Neck Road
Harpswell, Maine  04079

The Harpswell Historical Society is dedicated to the discovery, identification, collection, preservation, interpretation, and dissemination of materials relating to the history of Harpswell and its people.
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Harpswell Historical Society
Letter: R. S. Melcher to Edward 1862

Transcript of a letter found in the files of the
Harpswell Historical Society

June 20th 1862

Friend Edward

I received your letter about three weeks ago, and was very glad to hear from you. I have been waiting to find out where we were going before I answered it. We are going to Teapeny after salt and from there to Boston or Portland, I dont know which. We shall sail the first of the week. We have been here ten weeks yesterday. We were twenty seven days coming from Cardiff. I didn't see the Rock of Gibraltar, we passed it in the evening. I could [see] the coast of Africa on one side, the coast of Spain on the other going through the Straits. I have been about all over the city of Genoa, it is a fine place. Capt. Given give us a days liberty last Tuesday to go ashore. David and me went and had a first rate time of it. We went into the park, it is a splendid place. There is a large fountain in it, the water spits up in the air about two hundred feet, a plenty oranges and fruit growing in it, which are very cheap here, this post is the French and Italian Naval Station, I see King Victor Emanuel the other day he has been here twice since I have been here, he past (passed] close to our ship.

June 21th I haven't time to write much more, for we shall go to sea tonight __ in the ___ing. I suppose you are busy enough now hoeing, I have been away from home seven months last Thursday if nothings happens I shall be at home about next September. I want to send mother a few lines in this letter for I know I don't have time to write another. I shall write after I get to Teapney. Write me and I will try and write a longer Letter.

Give my respects to all the folks. I must bid you good by.

From your friend

            R. S. Melcher

 I haven't time to write to mother this evening, tell her I will write to her as soon as we arrive in Teapney.

 transcribed by Gerry York, Harpswell Historical Society

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