"Chuck! Look here! Grandfather has included a picture this time!"
Charles leaned over his friend's shoulder enthusiastically. "Merrimack....how come that sounds so familiar?"
Charles leaned over his friend's shoulder enthusiastically. "Merrimack....how come that sounds so familiar?"
Dearest Freddy,
An event of historical significance took place today, back in 1861. The Confederate Navy Department received a shipment of armor plate. The planned usage for it was the conversion of the captured U.S.S. Merrimack into an ironclad: the C.S.S. Virginia! The enclosed picture is that of the the Merrimack before her transformation.
Two other Union vessels were taken that day as well, one a blockade runner near North Edisto, South Carolina, and the other a merchant brig, which brig was seized by the C.S.S. Sumter. All in all, it was a day of rejoicing for the Confederate Navy.
Until tomorrow,
I remain your affectionate Grandfather