John Ker history: November 2010

Name	Age	Sex	Occupation	County of Birth
Gideon Ker	63	M	Grocer and Sp dealer	England
Ann Ker	39	F		Roxburghshire
Agness Ker	7	F		Roxburghshire
John Ker	5	M		Roxburghshire
Robert Ker	2	M		Roxburghshire
Elizabeth Richardson	19	F	F S.	Roxburghshire

John Ker came from Hawick, and these are letters sent by him during his period in the Navy to his brother Robert, his sister Helen (Nelly) and his mother Ann.

This is a picture of John

This photo has been dated on Rootschat (www.rootschat.com) as late 1850's or early 1860's, which would make John about 24 or 25.
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,488327.0.html

The purpose of this blog is to share these letters with interested researchers who would like to investigate further parts of the information the letters contain.

I am hoping that readers will either add information as comments to this blog, or add to the thread on Rootschat which I am creating to support this project - I'm thinking of details about the locations John mentions, further information about the people and the historical references (for example concerning the American Civil War) , and anything which would add more background to what I think is a fascinating story, especially as we also have a picture of the author.

Rootschatters are great investigators and I'd like to ask for their expertise.

Here are the letters themselves, transcribed by GKE from Rootschat, who is descended from John's family. He is her great great greatuncle, and she's given me permission to share these letters with you.

Letter 1

HMS "Edinburgh"

Queensferry

12th October 1859

My Dear Nelly

I got your letter a few days ago in answer to my last but one. In my last letter I enclosed the cheque for £30 I had from Mother and as I did not require the money I sent it back, and I am anxious to know if it reached home safely. If you have not written before you get this, will you be good enough to write on receiving this merely to say if you have got the cheque.

We are just going on in our old style here again. One of our Gunboats the "Louisa" left here on Monday last for Woolwich, in order to be repaired, her boilers being in a defective state; she will be about two months before being back again. The passage round will occupy her about a week. These gunboats carry such a small quantity of coals, about 30 tons which will last three days under steam.

Give my kind love to Mrs Nisbet, how does my little namesake thrive? I hope he is making good progress.

Your affect

Brother

John

Letter 2

HMS "Edinburgh"

Queensferry

14th Feby. 1860

My dear Nelly

I received your letter yesterday, you surely must have been busy, having been so long in replying to mine. I am happy to say that I am not so much troubled with the cough now as I was. The spitting is gone entirely and has been for sometime back. I was in Edinburgh this day week and calling on Mrs. Temple I saw Goldie. He gave me a prescription for the cold. Tom was not at home being out at one of his classes I think. I stayed at Mrs. Temples only a few minutes having no more time. I promised to call on her again in the course of a week or so. Mr. Temple was better in health and was moving about again at his usual duties. I did not hear any particulars about Tom either. He has another examination to pass in April. I was at Robert Storys yesterday week and stayed with him all night. He with the wife and Lizzy are well. You ask if I have written Mrs. Paxton since I came back from leave. I wrote her last week sometime, in my first letter to her I promised to write again. I have not heard from her since.

I am sorry to hear you are still troubled with toothache. You must be getting used to it by this time, can’t you get anything to cure it?

When I wrote last I don’t think our 1st Assistant had joined us. He came yesterday week. He is a very agreeable messmate, we all like him very much and the mess is so much more comfortable since Watson left. Since he went to the Gunboat I was told there had been home disagreement with him there. I don’t wish to be shipmate with him again. Our new Chief is expected here tomorrow. We hear he is a very nice man, one who will just do for us. Our present Chief is keeping quite healthy but wearying much to get out of the ship. Two or three days ago he sent for me to his cabin and showed me a certificate of character he had written out with the intention of giving to me and my messmates Harrison and Ankers. He asked if I was pleased with the contents of it, if not he would change it. I said I was satisfied. Its not customary for Chief Engineers to give certificates but he gives it only of his own free will. I got the Hawick paper this morning. I see in it that the successor of Mr. William Drysdale at the Poorshouse are not Hawick people but strangers. What a number of applicants have been in for the situation! What cold weather we have here. Yesterday and today have been the coldest yet I think. The thermometer standing at 20 degrees.

With Kind love to you all.

Your affect. Brother

John

Letter 3

HMS "Edinburgh"

Queensferry

4th May 1860

My dear Brother

I received your letter on Monday morning along with an invitation from some friends at Donaldsons Hospital to tea and afterwards go to a Ball at Morningside Asylum. I accepted of the invitation and along with other two of my shipmates one of them a clerk who joined us about a week ago and who lately came from the West Coast of Africa. He is a native of St Helena and never had been in England before. He’s a very nice son-of fellow. On coming through Edinburgh to join the ship he told us he was astonished to see so many white people walking about. When I got this invitation to the Hospital and Asylum I thought it would be a great treat to take him with me and when I asked him about it he appeared so pleased. We got to the Hospital about 4 o’clock p.m. saw through the building and then started about 6.30 for Morningside and reached it at 7 the hour that the Ball was to open. No one is allowed to go without an order. I understand its no easy matter getting one and it’s a privilege to go there. There were 6 of us altogether on going into the building. We had all to sign our names, once in a book and again on the back of the orders that admitted us. After all this had been gone through we were taken up to the ball room. On entering the room all the inmates were seated, the men on one side of the place and the women on the other, all sitting very quietly; for music we had 2 fiddles and after one or two dances one of the females went to the piano. They all enjoyed themselves very much to all appearances. 3 of my friends danced with them but I did not attempt anything of the sort. One of my messmates, Ankers sung a song to them "Ben Ball", which was very much applauded. The proceedings terminated at 9 o’clock when all the inmates were marched off to their places. We were told there were about 5 or 600 present and that they all look forward to the ball with delight which I believe is found to be very beneficial in aiding the care of the poor lunatics. It is held once a week. We have first rate weather here now. When I was in town on Wednesday it was very hot indeed. I don’t know what I could have filled a letter with had it not been for this ball.

With Kind love to all at home

I am your affect.

Brother John

Letter 4

HMS "Edinburgh"

Queensferry

7th July 1860

My dear Nelly

I suppose this will be the last letter you will have from me in this place for some time. Tomorrow Sunday, we are going to start sometime in the forenoon I believe. It was generally thought that we were going on Monday but as the ship has to be round at a certain time in Portland Roads we require to leave sooner on that account. We have been preparing for sea all this week, taking all the boats on boards. We are all ready in our department. I think we shall steam all the way round. The duty will be rather hard on us not on account of work, but being in the hot engine room for 4 hours at a time, but it wont be so bad on us as when we came round first as two other assistants have joined from the gunboats so instead of being on water 4 hours and the following 4 off, we will have 4 on and 8 off which will be jolly. The mess is rather small for six but we will manage to do all the time we will be away. The Captain wishes to be back here again on the 15th of next month but I don’t think I shall be back in that time. Our boilers and engines require some repairs doing and if they are gone on with it we will be a much longer time before we are back again. The pilot came on board this afternoon ready to take the ship out. All the married mens wives are on board and a pretty good lot they are. They must feel very sorry to be left behind. Some of them were for coming on board and taking a passage round with their husbands but that is not allowed. I hope the weather will continue the same as it is at present. Today it has been very warm and the water is beautiful and smooth. Tomorrow evening I expect we shall be clear of the Firth of Forth and well on our way. This letter will leave the shop by the last mail we shall send on shore and I wont have the pleasure of hearing from you again till we are in England. I shall write immediately I have time after we arrive there and let you know how we get round. Along with this I shall send you two views for your stereoscope which I bought when at Roslin Chapel lately. There are some views of one or two vessels that were in the fleet which I was trying to get for you but could not succeed, I am sorry to say, but perhaps you may get some of them yourself.

In this letter I shall enclose a post office order for f2- which I borrowed from Robert. I got out the order in his name. I hope you will get all right. You must excuse this letter, while I write there are other 5 in the berth beside me talking to me and so on. I think I had better stop.

Give my kind regards to Mrs. Nisbet and family and kind love to Mother, Bob and yourself also Miss Eckford.

Your very affect Brother

Letter 5

HMS "Edinburgh"

Portland Roads

2nd August 1860

My dear Nelly

We have just come into Portland along with the rest of the Fleet after a cruize of 5 days or more. We left Torbay last Saturday about 3 p.m. and sailed away down channel to the westward. I daresay we would be as far as Landsend in Cornwell. We also kept sailing off Plymouth some considerable time. I was in hopes they would go in there but was disappointed. On Tuesday afternoon we came into Torbay a little distance but just came in sight of Torquay and stood out again. I suppose the inhabitants would be expecting us to anchor there again seeing us so close in. The Fleet was expected to be in Portland yesterday but did not go in. We were a short way off it in the afternoon but towards evening all the ships kept away again not having time to go in that night. When I got up this morning we were all doing our best to make the harbour. The wind was against us and kept the ship tacking about so that we did not get in till nearly 2 p.m when the anchor was let go. The Fleet will be here a considerable time. I was dining with the Captain on Monday evening and he said we would be in Portland till the 10th and perhaps longer and that we wont be back to Queensferry till the end of this month or beginning of September. This has been the pleasantest cruize we have had yet, for we have never had occasion to get up steam since leaving Torbay on Saturday so during all this time I have had little to do.

I wrote you the same day we sailed from Torbay but had no opportunity of sending the letter on shore before the ship left but on Tuesday afternoon the small steamer which attends on the Commodore took a mail ashore from the fleet and I sent your letter then enclosing 5 views of Torquay and the places about there. I hope you got them safely.

In the newspapers "United Service Gazette", our fleet gets great credit for the manner in which it has behaved since first putting to sea. In the first cruize encountering two gales of wind and no accident occurring. What do you think of that? I suppose Robert will soon be home now. He must write and tell me how he enjoyed his days at the sea side. I sent him a paper some time ago. Did he get it? Kind love to Mother and yourself. Now you must be sure and write soon. Perhaps you will get this letter before answering my last.

Your very affect. Brother

John

Address to Portland Roads

Weymouth

Letter 6

HMS "Edinburgh"

Portland 8th August 1860

My dear Nelly

I received your letter on Monday morning last, glad to get such a long one. You say Mother wishes to know what sort of health I enjoy. I am happy to say that I am first rate and in capital order. I stand our cruizes much better than most of my messmates. The first cruize we had after joining the Squadron all my messmates were sick except myself and another. There are 6 of us altogether so you must know I am a capital sailor.

I suppose you were in Edinburgh yesterday as you said in your letter you were going to see the Review. You must tell me all the particulars when you write. Yesterday was a sort of holiday too with us in the fleet. We had a Regatta and in the afternoon the Lords of the Admiralty came to inspect the ships. Only two were inspected yesterday. This forenoon they came on board of us and were inspected. We are going to sail this afternoon for Sheerness. Perhaps we shall be there for a week or two to get some repairs done. You must not expect much of a letter today as I am writing in a hurry expecting the mail to leave the ship directly. I had a paper from you this morning. I think we shall be round in Sheerness about Saturday perhaps. You must direct your next letters there. I am glad we are going from Portland as I don’t like it much. I have not been on shore since coming in here this time.

Kind love to all at home

Your affect. Brother

John

P.S. Since writing the above I learn we are not going to leave here till tomorrow morning at 4 o’clock, get round to the Nove which is close to Sheerness, anchor there till Monday then go into dock and stay no longer than a week. But so many tales are told that its not easy to know which is the correct one. If Mrs Temple is at Hawick with Mother give her my kind regards and say I intend calling on her on my arrival in Edinburgh.

John

Letter 7

HMS "Edinburgh"

Queensferry

29th August 1860

My dear Nelly

I got your letter this morning. I see by the post marks on it that it has been to Sheerness. I was fully expecting to find a letter waiting for me when we came into Sheerness on the 19th Inst and not requiring one from you all the time we were at Sheerness. I could not imagine what was the matter but resolved not to write till I got round to Scotland as we were expecting then to be round soon. While we were at Sheerness I got all the papers you sent. We left Sheerness last Thursday afternoon at 2.30 we were out of sight of land same night and did not see it again till Monday night when we turned ship to come up the Forth. We sailed from Sheerness till off St Abbs head when we got up steam to come up the river. We steamed all night and at 8.30 yesterday morning anchored off Queensferry in our old position. Coming round we had pretty good weather. Sometimes it did blow a little and one or two of my messmates began to get sick but I’m happy to say I kept all right. Most of the time we were in Sheerness the weather was cold and stormy, sometimes we had a good day but these were exceptions. We expected to get our repairs done in the Dockyard but after being inspected by the Authorities they thought we could last another year with some repairs to be done by ourselves. We are going to begin to them tomorrow I believe, so we shall be busy for the next month I expect before all is right again, provided we get over it in that time and that I’m not sent away to some other place. I shall endeavour to come out to Hawick to see you all and also the great improvements you are affecting on the old house, has there to be a new front to the shop. I suppose it will require that you ought to have a new sign at the same time and do away with all that stuff on the present one telling one every particular thing to be had within. I have got another view for you, I got it in Sheerness. It is a view of all the harbour with the shipping in it. Of course the ships are small, the largest one to be seen is the "Erne" gunboat, one of our tenders. The view was taken while it was round some months ago undergoing some repairs. I think you will be pleased with it. You must have a considerable number now. Have you got any except those I gave you? I suppose Mother will be over head and ears in business just now what with one thing and another. I hope she bears up well under it all. We are to have monthly payments now after this, on and after October for two months we are to have f7 and the 3rd month, the end of the quarter we are to receive the balance of our pay. Everyone is pleased with the arrangement and it is a great improvement on the quarterly payments as a party may happen to be appointed away to another ship just before pay day and not have any money to settle with his mess etc. I believe that is the reason for the change in the pay.

The two supernumeries we had in our mess (the two we had from the gunboats I told you of, before who came to assist us on our cruise) left us this afternoon so we are left to ourselves again. I am glad they are gone, 6 in our berth were too many. It was overcrowded. Since we went away the gunboats have been laid up in Leith docks with an engineer in each. They must have had fine easy times of it. They would not be wishing us back in a hurry I guess.

We have all come round again in the ship with the exception of Billy Taylor, that little fellow in the centre of the group of the portrait I sent you. He with the eyeglass and Glengarry cap and feather. When we left Scotland he had been on leave, but stayed over his time, he did not appear again till we came round to Portland when he came on board. He was put under arrest, that is like a prisoner at large not doing any duty and not allowed to go on shore. He continued in that state till we went to Torbay when his appointment came to him to join another ship. His conduct was to be reported on the succeeding three months. This was giving him a chance for if he had not been appointed away he would have been tried for courtmartial and most likely turned out of the Service. I have not heard from him since he left us.

I heard the Queen is going to sail from Leith after leaving Balmoral to go to visit the Princess Royal. If such is the case I’m almost certain we shall come down to Leith to salute her Majesty as she leaves in the Royal Yacht.

I think Queensferry is rather gay at this time owing to the influx of visitors. I suppose we shall have visitors soon on board.

Try to write soon, remember me to Mrs Nisbet and family also Miss Eckford etc.

Your very affect. Brother

John

excuse mistakes

Letter 8

HMS "Edinburgh"

Queensferry

19th January 1861

My dear Nelly

I duly received your letter and having a few minutes to spare sit down to reply to it. I got both papers sent me and like you I don’t think much of either particularly the way I was mentioned in the Border Advertiser. "John Ker a Hawick Callant" I think they might have given a handle to my name. Perhaps they thought I would be flattered by the way I was mentioned. Mother and you have been coming out of your shells when each of you gave a party the same week.

I got the account of your muff or whatever you call it and shall send a P.O. order some of these days. I am glad you have selected a good one and I hope you may long be spared to enjoy it. I saw Dr Douglas’s sons death mentioned in the papers of last week. I sympathise with the old Dr for the loss he has sustained.

Last Sunday afternoon after dinner I went on shore and walked up to Edinburgh to Robert Storys, they were all well. In the evening I went to church with Robert and stayed at his house all night. I came up to Town with him next morning when he went to the office. I came down to Queensferry by the 12 o’clock coach.

One of my messmates was married last Wednesday night. Mr Ankers that is the gentleman in the group I sent you that is sitting in the front with the sword and the one leaning over him at my left hand is his brother in law. Miss May was the lady’s name, the marriage was mentioned in Thursdays "Scotsman", perhaps you saw it. I had the honour of being best man at the wedding. I went in a cab for the minister, pulled the glove of the Bride-grooms hand, signed as a witness to the marriage, cut up the Brides-cake, returned thanks on behalf of the ladies when their health was proposed and in one word made myself generally useful. Altogether there were about 50 gentleman and ladies. We had a very pleasant party indeed and every one without exception appeared to enjoy themselves. The Bride and Bridegroom left for Glasgow with the 8.15 p.m. train. The marriage took place at 6. I accompanied them to the Station. I had a note from Mr. Ankers this morning, he and his wife are jolly, they intend coming home today. The party did not break up till 7 I think next morning. I went to bed about that time and had a sound sleep till 11. I am going up tomorrow perhaps as Mr. Ankers and wife are going to the country on Monday to visit some of their friends and I am to accompany them. I got a piece of the Bridescake to send to you. I put it in a box and sent it on shore to day by our chief who is going to the Post Office to post it as I did not know how many stamps to put on it. Before the cake was cut up it was a most magnificent affair standing between 2 and 3 feet high. There were like two cakes, in the first place was a large one about 18 or 20 inches in diameter on the top of it was a smaller one supported on pillars and on that again was a vase with a lot of beautiful flowers in it. This they are going to preserve.

There now, I think I have given you a very full and particular account of this most interesting spectacle. I wish you would write soon and let me know if you receive the cake all right. I have sent as much as will serve you a week to dream on. I wish you happy and pleasant dreams.

Kind love to you all

Yours affect Brother

John

Letter 9

HMS "Edinburgh"

Queensferry

24th January 1861

My dear Nelly

I am glad to see by your letter that you got the cake safely, you say when the packet was opened and the cake exposed you "almost turned giddy and cried out is he married" and when you saw by my letter that I was not the happy one you felt relieved. So judging by this you would not like to hear of my being spliced. At the present time there is not much likelihood of anything of the sort. In the first place I have not the pleasure of possessing a sweetheart not having seen any suitable for me yet and even supposing I had one and felt anxious to make her my better half I am afraid the funds would be awanting, so that Nelly I don’t think you will see any of my Bridescake for some time. Some rich nice young lady may perhaps turn up with cash enough for us both. In a case of that sort I cant say what I may do. I am glad I got over Leap year in safety. You know here any lady proposed to me I really could not have been so ungallant as to have refused her. So you see it is a good thing no one popped the question to me.

I walked up to Edinburgh on Sunday afternoon and was met by the newly married pair just as I got into town. They came home on Saturday evening from Glasgow. We were going to start for the country on Monday forenoon, but the Captain not being on board I could not get any more than 24 hours, so on Monday morning I got up early and walked down to Queensferry got on board got more leave and up to Edinburgh again before 10. We got a cab and 5 of us getting into it, the newly married pair, her sister, her Mother and myself, we drove out to a farm called Humby 9 miles from Edinburgh, had dinner and tea, a look over the place. The people were very kind and hospitable, we left about 7.30 and had a very pleasant drive home by moonlight, reaching the house at 9. I left next day at 12 noon. Mr. Ankers leave was up, he came on board last night. His wife is going to reside with her parents for the present. I told Ankers what you said about him in your letter about him being a lazy comfortable looking fellow. He will now be going home as often as possible.

Mother and you appear to be afraid for me and the ladies, are you afraid to lose me. I assure you the ladies here are very charming and seeing my friend so comfortable I am strongly tempted to follow his example. I intend to marry sometime and don’t you think the sooner the better. Mother says she knows I shall never save money. I almost think so myself, then the best place will be for me to look out as soon as possible a suitable helpmate one to look after me and my money. I would require to stay on board a long time to save enough to get over the affair. This would be almost impossible to do and court at the same time. So I would look out one with money already. I wonder what Mother would say to this. Write soon. With kind regards to you all.

I am your affect. Brother

John

Letter 10

On Board the "Fenella" G.Boat

Portsmouth

14thApril 1861

My dear Mother

Here I am at Portsmouth, after a journey of two or three days by land and water. I left Queensferry last Wednesday at 11 a.m. in the cutter "Victoria" which took me to Granton where I went on board the "Princess Royal" one of the merchant steamers which runs between Granton & London. We had a very good passage all the way round, fine calm weather and very agreeable fellow passengers. Leaving Granton at 3 p.m. on Wednesday we reached St. Katherin’s Wharf on Friday afternoon about 2.30. My luggage and I then got into a cab and drove to London Bridge Station for the Brighton and south coast Railway. I got the express train at 4 p.m. arriving at Portsmouth a little before 7 o’clock, distance from London 97 miles south west. I got a cab at the Station and drove to the Club of the Naval Engineers of which I am a member. It is just the same as a Hotel you know. Pay so much for a bedroom and we get our food at cost price, besides newspapers and library etc. I went into the Dockyard yesterday morning and reported myself to the Inspector of Machinery etc. He put me in charge of the Gunboat whose name is at the head of this letter. She is not in commission but employed in running about the harbour daily. I have one messmate only, a 3rd assistant being in charge of machinery. I shall receive 1/-a day in addition to my pay. Also 1/6 a day in lieu of provisions. My messmate and I take turns night about in remaining on board. I shall remain at the Club for the present. There is not much comfort in the Gunboat, and perhaps I may not be in her very long, at least I hope not. I am laying close to the famous ship the "Victory", where Nelson received his death would. She looks very well, nicely painted and in fact like a new ship. Her ships company are at Divisions and her band was playing a few minutes ago. There are some fine looking vessels here, such as I see from this boat, but I see only a small part of the harbour. I shall not attempt to describe the town itself to you, as I have seen only a very small part of it, only the street I have to pass through coming to the Dockyard. The streets are narrow, plenty of taverns and draw shops, slop shops and butchers etc. Its just like any other sea port town.

This is Sunday and my day aboard, although steam is kept up, we shall not require it I am told. The Engineer I relieved in taking charge is appointed to the "Hornet". She is out in the red sea. He leaves on the 27th Inst. by one of the mail steamers from Southampton, going by the overhaul route to India, crossing the Egyptian desert, it must be quite a treat travelling that way.

In my next letter I may perhaps be able to tell you more about Portsmouth, how I like my Gunboat.

With kind love to all at home

I am my dear Mother

Your affect. Son John

Address

Portland House

Lion Terrace

Portsmouth

Letter 11

Portland House

Portsea 15th April 1861

My dear Nelly

Today I was at the Dockyard on duty and had occasion to go into the office of the Inspector of Machinery. No one was in the office and looking round saw two letters and one of them a little to my surprise was for me. I knew it was from you directly I saw it. I accordingly I walked it off without more ado.

I suppose you will have received my letter of yesterdays date and by it will see I did not leave Queensferry till Wednesday. As to my health which you enquire so anxiously about, I am happy to say it is very good. The cold I had at Queensferry before leaving was completely cured before I left. I thank you for your sympathy and am sorry you are so much troubled with a swelled face. Tell Mother not to put herself out of the way on my account, and that I think I should improve in strength. Here, it is close to the Isle of Wight you know and it’s a famous healthy place. You ask me what Portsmouth is like. I cant tell you any more than what I said in my last letter. Its rather a curious place or I may say places, as there are parts or towns differently named. There is Portsea, Portsmouth, Southsea etc. Others I don’t know the name of, but I shall send you some views if they are to be got. You ask how many guns the "Asia" has got. She is an 84 gun ship. I have not been on board of her yet. I am only borne on her looks. She is the guard-ship here, and all those who are appointed to her as supernumeraries are put into other vessels which are in the harbour and not in commission, same as I am and plenty of vessels there are here too, one sort and another. Today I was out in the gunboat to Spithead, this is an anchorage just outside of Portsmouth harbour, we went out to some transports which have just come in from China, bringing troops. There were 3 ships and all filled with troops. As we passed them they all crowded to the side of the vessel to look at us. They are the first part of the soldiers come home from the China war. This afternoon the vessels were brought into harbour. The poor fellows will no doubt be glad to get on shore in England again. On Saturday at mid day the Royal yacht "Victoria & Albert" left here for Madeira to convey the Empress of Austria from there to her home. Part of the Channel fleet is at Spithead, half of what was at Queensferry last year. They came home from Lisbon on Saturday. Mr. Steven one of my old ship-mates is in the Admirals ship ("Edgar"). When I came into the Club to night I found he had left his card for me. I think he has got his wife round in Southsea, at least he had written on the card to call at a certain address.

It is now after 11 p.m. so I shall turn in for I have to be "up in the morning early". So good night to you Nelly.

Kind love to Mother and you all

Your very affect Brother

John

Portland House

Portsea

Write soon

Letter 12

Lion Terrace

Portsea 10th May 1861

My dear Nelly

I received your note after coming ashore this evening. I should I daresay have written before this time but having been so busy since I got your letter. The time has passed so quickly that I did not think it had been so long since I wrote you last.

To night I have been told that I am appointed to the "Driver" commissioned at Woolwich a week ago, for service on the coast of North America to protect our commerce during the war between the Yankees. I have not yet received my appointment but shall do so tomorrow. I daresay I shall not write a long letter just now, but as soon as I learn particulars about my destination, I shall write again, which I suppose will be in a day or two.

I feel sleepy and am just about to turn in.

Kind love to all at home

Your affect. Brother

John

Letter 13

Woolwich 18th May 1861

My dear Nelly

I have just joined the "Driver" and find she is in a state of bustle rather, with shipwrights, painters etc. Our mess place requires painting yet but I don’t suppose we shall have time for that as I am told we start down the river on Monday morning for Greenhythe to get our compasses. Going on board I found nothing in the mess, but was told the mess traps were just coming on board and accordingly they came in a short time. I am in a fix rather just now. I should have paid f5. into the mess fund and am not able to do it having had so much shifting about lately. The Admiralty owes me about f20. and at the end of last month I expected to be paid f10. but was told I could not get any because I have not been a month in Portsmouth. I would have been all right at the end of this month but then it will be too late. So I would take it very kind of mother to let me have f5. as soon as possible. By Post Office order I think would be best and address it to the post office "Greenhythe", Ker. We may not remain there long enough for me to receive it but I must risk it. I shall pay it as soon as possible. I don’t think we shall have left England before the end of this month and if not I shall send it then. I don’t like to be borrowing money from Mother but really this is an extreme case and I hope she will excuse me.

I am writing this on board the Industry, the vessel I came round from Portsmouth in. It is tea time and I was obliged to rise from table to get out the way. Excuse this scrawl as I am writing in a hurry with a bad pen. I shall write soon again. Don’t give yourself any uneasiness about me.

If you send a P.O. order let it be in Roberts name.

Address

J. Kerr

H.M.S. "Driver"

Greenhythe

Kent

as elsewhere

I got your last letter on board the Driver this afternoon.

Letter 14

HMS "Driver"

Greenhythe 24th May 1861

My dear Nelly

This morning I was very much gratified to receive your letter. I fully intended to have written last night to acknowledge the P.O. order for f5. from Robert. I got it yesterday morning just when we were about to start for Plymouth. The fires were lighten and we expected to leave here at 12 noon after the Commodore from Woolwich had inspected the ship, but luckily we did not go owing I think to an accident that befel us as the Commodore came alongside in a steamer. She ran her bowsprit into our bulwarks and made a large hole. Another affair helped to delay us. Our mess berth was too small for us and the ventilation very deficient, so the Assist. Engineers complained about it and I, as senior Assistant here to write a letter on Service to our Commander asking him to cause our alteration to be made in it. He sent for us after the letter was given to him and explained what alteration we proposed, so we told him. When the Commodore came on board yesterday he was shown the letter and also a plan of the place. He admitted our Berth was not what it ought to be, and after some talk agreed to the alterations which will be as follows; as we were at first situated our berth was on one side of the ship and on the other was our bath room and work shop, so we are converting the two latter places into a mess berth and our first mess berth into the bath room and making our cookshop in one of our stove rooms in the engine room so that our new mess berth will be double the size of the old one with plenty of ventilation. Five joiners were sent down last night when they worked till 9.30 p.m. and were again at it at 3 this morning. They must be finished this evening for the orders at present are that we lave tomorrow morning for Plymouth. If we had leftcomfortable in the ship. A fine lot of officers and men most of us young fellows. Our senior Engineer in charge (a 1st Assistant) is a very nice fellow and we shall get on very well together no doubt, he being in charge does not mess with us and my two mess mates are 3rd Assistants and I am senior Assistant.

You ask me whether I would rather stay at home or go away. I prefer to go in order to see a little of the world, no doubt I would be more comfortable at home but I prefer to round about a little before settling down, when I shall be able to appreciate the comforts of home. I am very well pleased with the station we are said to be going to N. America but I suppose we shall also go to the West Indies bit I don’t know when. At any rate where ever I go I shall try to write you long letters describing the various places, scenes and adventures through which I may pass. You enquire about my clothes how I am off for socks etc. I got measured for them before leaving Woolwich and tonight I expect them here. I shall require some new cotton socks when we get to Plymouth and I shall be all right. I was rather astonished to see in your letter you had got a cow, where in all the world do you keep it? You will be revelling in milk and cream while I have not seen such a thing for the last week.

I was glad to see by your letter this morning that you had the courage while in Edinburgh to get your teeth examined. You will be all the better off having a new tooth put in front and others stuffed. Perhaps the stuffed ones may cause you a little pain for some time after you get them done. At least mine did but it soon felt all right. I have been writing this in the engine-room stove not being able to get into our Berth for the joiners. The men have just come down from dinner and commenced work, so I shall stop for the present. I shall write again after reaching Plymouth and shall expect an answer to this letter while I am there. We shall reach it on Monday morning perhaps. Kind love to you all and remembering me to all enquiries.

Your affect. Brother

John

Letter 15

H.M.S. "Driver", at Sea

25th June 1861

My dear Mother

Tomorrow we expect to get into Halifax, so I have commenced a letter to you so as to take advantage of the first opportunity of sending it off that may turn up. We have had a very quiet passage out from Plymouth. We sailed at 2.30 p.m. on Saturday the 1th of June, did not go by way of Madeira as was reported but steered straight for Halifax. We started under steam and continued steaming till Monday evening at 7. when we drew our fires and started under sail alone. What a miserable day Sunday with us was, me and all my messmates fell sick, besides a great many more in the ship. I think a good deal of this was owing to the motion of the ship and not being accustomed to it. A different motion I mean from the ships we had been in before. Since that time we have had pretty rough weather but felt all right. On the same Sunday I talk of, we never saw either our Cook or Steward so we got nothing to eat all day which helped to make us worse. Towards evening one of my messmates had a look round to see if he could find either one or other. After a little time he found lying on the upper deck forward the Cook and Steward stretched out alongside of each other with their heads on a broom with a headache the Steward said. They were roused up when the poor fellow made his appearance. He really looked wretched, but we only laughed. His face was pale, set off to great advantage by a beard and moustache which had not been shaved for a long time. He very soon sloped again. He was several days in getting right again.

While we sailed, some days we made good way, other times went astern rather. Our second Sunday was much more pleasant than the first, very hot on deck. White trousers the order of the day, an awning was spread over the quarter deck and after Divisions, Divine Service was performed on the upper deck under this cover. A day or two after this we had some fine rough weather which made the old Driver knock about, but she is a fine sea boat and did first rate. While this weather lasted we had some scenes at table. All at once the vessel would give a roll over and away would go everything moveable rushing to one side of the berth. One of my messmates used a chair at table and often has he gone flying towards the door to the amusement of the rest of us. At these times all of us would stretch our arms over the table to save what was on it and to do anything liquid on a plate you must hold it in your hand. Oh what fun to see the steward rushing after his gear and to see him too as he brought a dish of anything for dinner. The ship would be lying over a little, he would advance to the door as if walking up a hill slowly, when suddenly the ship would roll over again and he then came flying into our arms neatly. He used to tumble down the ladder occasionally for a change till he has got quite used to that sort of thing and thinks nothing of it. Not so with the dishes, once down the ladder is enough for them. At last the wind died away and steam was again got up on the 17th Inst (Monday) at 5.30 p.m. We have been steaming ever since. There are 3 of us and consequently 3 watches. That is 4 hours on duty at one time and 8 hours off. This continued day and night but provided all goes well the duty is not very hard on us. I daresay we shall have a good deal of steaming during the commission.

June 26th Last night I turned in at 10.30 as I got tired of writing and felt sleepy. It was my watch this morning from 4 to 8. Coming on deck at 4 I saw land several miles distance. While I was on watch we stopped about 7 o’clock and took a pilot on board. We kept steaming slowly along shore till about 10 when we began to enter the harbour. The country on each side of the harbour looked very beautiful. The scenery is rather Scotch in aspect. I imagine being hilly and in some parts covered with fir trees. The grass looked so fresh and green and the sun shining, the prospect was quite delightful more especially after being out of sight of land for nearly a month. The houses from the ship look very clean and neat, most of them being built of wood and painted a light colour. The roofs are a sort of brown colour where the situation of Halifax sets all the place off. It is built on the side of a hill with houses from the edge of the water upwards. It appears to be a considerable sized place, a good number of ships are in harbour. We passed several fishing boats as we came in. The name of the Admirals ship is the "Nile". (Admiral Milne). We came close up to her and moored ship. A number of women came alongside before we stopped, for clothes to wash. After being allowed to come on board, a dozen or more I daresay availed themselves of the opportunity and commenced asking for our clothes to wash and presenting certificates of having washed for other ships and given satisfaction. We got in at 10.45 and 2 hours after this, another ship the "Challenger" came in from Portsmouth. She left after we did. A number more are on their way out. They were commissioned at the same time we were and all for the same station. Just now 7.30 p.m. we are coming alongside the Dockyard to coal our ship. We shall take in 200 tons or more. 270 tons fill our coal boxes, or coals for 8 or 10 days steaming full power.

Two of the supernumeraries which we brought out, one an Engineer, the other an Assistant Paymaster left us at 2 p.m. going on board the "Valorous" to take a passage to Jamaica. To join their ship, our ship shall lay here for 2 weeks or about that time and we afterwards proceed south somewhere. We shall be busy all the time we are here cleaning up before leaving. I hope to get on shore to see the place. As the mail for England closes tomorrow evening I must not put off time to go out of the ship till I finish this as you will be wishing to know of my whereabouts. I believe a mail leaves here once a week. A number of papers and letters came on board this forenoon, but nothing for me. I should like Robert to send me a letter and paper frequently, its no use reminding Nelly for I know she will write. Before we left Plymouth we took into our mess a large stock of provisions for 6 months, preserved meats etc. I took or rather completed my clothes. Among other things I bought 7 dozen of paper collars, first rate things for us when dirty, pitch them away and out with another one. I think I paid /6 ½ a dozen for them. This is cheaper than washing collars.

One day in crossing the banks of Newfoundland we stopped some time to fish for cod but I don’t think anything was caught. Fogs were very frequent in crossing the banks. This caused us to slacken our speed for fear of running into any other vessel. Our steam whistle was also kept sounding at these times. We felt the cold very much too. I was glad when we got out of the fogs. I shall leave off this letter just now to see if anything more occurs worth mentioning.

27th June. Rain pouring down this morning in bucket fulls. Men busy fishing in the paddle boats, catching lobsters, a good number caught. At 11.30 began to coal ship. The coals are carried on board by 2 men in hand barrows each containing 2 cut of coals. Towards the afternoon the weather began to clear up and got warm. I had a look through the Dockyard a little time ago, is not much of a place. I saw very few men about. I am writing now in a hurry to finish this in time for the mail, and I’m liable to be called away at any moment. I shall write soon again, perhaps before I hear from home. I would like to have a letter as soon as possible. Address it to the "Driver", Halifax, Nova Scotia. Provided I have time, I shall go on shore to night to see the Town. They say its not much of a place.

Kind love to you all, I am my dear Mother

Your affect. Son John

Letter 16

H.M.S. "Ariadne"

Halifax, 1st October 1861

My dear Nelly

I hope my last letter from the island reached home safely and in time, for if you did not receive it, and heard of the loss of the "Driver" you would be wishing to know what of me. However I am happy to say that all the officers and ships company have reached Halifax in safety, and good health I am happy to add. If I can have patience to write long enough, I will endeavour to give you a narrative of our proceedings since leaving Halifax. On the 13th of July at 1.30 p.m. we started under steam, Bermuda our destination. After steaming two or three days, fires were put out and we carried on under sail. This was on a Sunday evening about 5.30. All the British vessels we came across were boarded by a boat from our ship. Unfortunately we made no firings; very little progress was made under sail. The weather was quite calm and the sea smooth, so in the course of a few days recourse was again had to steam and we continued so until the ship was safe alongside the Dockyard of Bermuda. This Dockyard is pretty large, with a number of substantial building in it. All erected I believe by the convicts here, of which there are several hundreds, I cant say how many. These men have all a remarkably healthy appearance, quite different from those in England. They look much cleaner too. They wear light coloured clothes on account of the warm climate and these being washed regularly, they always look clean. They all wear straw hats, most of them are employed in building and labouring etc.

Here is a very good foundry where almost any repairs can be made on a steamer that may be requested. All the buildings in the Dockyard, and in fact on all the islands (there are said to be over 300 islands altogether, but all small) are white and during the day when the sun is shining, the eyes are considerably affected by it, but most of the white people here never go out without an umbrella to shadethem from the sun. Their clothing is all white, including hat and shoes, and the umbrella too in most cases.

The Driver had not been long in till she was boarded by a swarm of black washer women, looking very clean, at least their dresses were, and their faces shining. They all wear a gaudy coloured handkerchief twisted round their heads, and on this again a large straw hat. I was soon surrounded by a lot of them asking for my washing. I made a bolt below from them but I found our berth in possession of several already, so I had tamely to submit and name one for my clothes. She had lots of certificates, so have they all. I got my servant and turned her over to him. We got some very nice fruit here, such as bananas, plantains, pomegranates etc. I took a walk ashore on the 1th or 2nd evening after coming in. You don’t walk far till you cross a bridge or ferry which connects one island to another. It is a very pleasant place, healthy too. I understand most of the inhabitants are coloured people. They were all slaves till the emancipation act was passed. I don’t think much of black people, they are a lazy lot altogether, I was nearly saying fit for nothing but slaves. The ship left Bermuda for Jamaica after a stay of 3 days, during which time we filled up with coal. After steaming some time we left off and proceeded under sail. I said in the first part of my letter that we boarded all the ships we came across after leaving Halifax. I ought to have said we did this after leaving Bermuda. To resume my account, we carried on under sail 5 days and on the morning of the 6th day (3rd of August) got steam up again and about 2 p.m. were going full speed. During the afternoon, land was seen, and in the course of an hour or two were running down parallel with it. I have the watch in the engine room from 4 to 6, after coming off watch and dressing, I went on deck to walk and to look at the island. At this time we were several miles from it. I came below to the mess berth about 7 o’clock and was sitting, talking with two of my messmates and our 1st Assistant, and at the same time drinking to Sweethearts and Wives, as the fashion is at sea on a Saturday night, when suddenly the vessel bumped and grated several times. We all started up and exclaimed "the ships aground" and out we rushed. I ran on deck to see where we were. Darkness had set in but the evening was clear. Time, 7.30 and water perfectly smooth, about the time I got on deck an order was given to stop the engines and then go astern full speed. After working some time and the ship not moving the engines were stopped, boats launched and sent to take soundings. After coming back, steps were taken to get anchors out. One was put out nearly astern, a quantity of shot thrown overboard, 30 or 40 tons of fresh water allowed to run out of the tanks. This was pumped out of the ship by our Donkey engine. All hands up during the night, all the large guns were pitched overboard with the exception of the Armstrong 100 pounder, which was lowered into a boat several days afterwards and anchored off the shore. All the booms and spars were thrown into the sea. This was now Sunday morning. A quantity of coal was put into a boat and pitched out some distance from the ship. Other anchors were now put out during this day and between 5 and 6 p.m. being high water the engines were started astern full speed. After working some and the ship not moving the engines were stopped. The ship looked very confused now on the upper deck. Her bows were high out of the water too, and at low water the coral reef on which we had run, was bare and exposed not far from the ship. On Sunday night all hands got to bed, this was the first sleep since the ship struck on Monday. Another trial was made in the morning to get her off, but no go. Today all the sick were sent on shore with a party of marines and our 2ndLieutenant who with a party of men rigged up some tents for the sick and stoves. At 7 p.m. this evening the last attempt was made to get off the ship, being high water about that time the engines were started astern full speed. I have this watch. While the engines were working the seamen on the upper deck were heaving (by means of the capstans) on the two anchors which were laid out astern. When the engines had worked about 20 minutes the ship began to bump heavily, rolling and creaking in a rather unpleasant way. I thought she would go off into deep water and go down. An order was given to stop the engines, and then to draw fires. I was glad to hear this order for I did not like being below while the ship was labouring in the manner she then was. The men behaved very well indeed. At 8 p.m. I went and got washed and dressed a little. Shortly after this the Commander not deeming it safe to remain in the ship all night, gave an order for all hands to go in the boats. Before going each of us took our valuables, such as money, papers etc. in case we could not get on board again. After being in the boats some time we pulled away some distance from the ship, and anchored. The different crews in the boats then commenced singing. In our boat (the Primace) the men sung time about, and at the chorus all hands joined in. The voices from the distant boats sounded very pleasantly on the water. We got sleepy at last, but sleep was out of the question, each of us had brought a blanket. I wrapped mine round me. We were so much crowded that I got cramped very soon and shifted my position as often as I could. I shoved my legs over the side of the boat thinking I would be easier. I got tired of this too, waking from a dosing sleep I had fallen into, I found my cap had fallen overboard and was lost. This was a new one too, that I got just before leaving England, and I had put it on that night just be sure of it, by the advise of one of my messmates. So being bonnetless I had to put up with a bare brow all night after this. It was a good thing that my hair was thick enough. At last the night passed in some sort of manner and at day light all the boats pulled on board the wreck again. We found her in much the same state as we had left her. The Captain now gave up all hope of saving the ship, and all hands were set to work to save stoves, the boats taking them to the shore. On this day (Tuesday) a steamer came in sight, our Captain pulled off to her, she was an American mail steamer, with a considerable number of passengers on board. She was bound for a port called Chagres in the gulf of Mexico, steamers name "North Star". Her Captain offered to attempt to tow off the "Driver" but our skipper would not accept of the offer for he was afraid that if the "Driver" had been got off, she would sink in deep water. So the steamer went on her way. This night all the officers and men slept on shore, with the exception of 6 or 8 officers, one among the lot, and a boat and oven. Always after this, all of us slept on the island in the tents, and all the time I never had my clothes off, from the night the ship struck till I got on board the Challenger which ship relieved us. Altogether we were on the island 23 or 24 days, and used to be down just in clothes, I got quite used to roughing it and could put up with anything, nothing came amiss.

For about a week after coming on shore, we were very hard up for water. The allowance being a half pint a man daily. Though we could swallow at a drought, we felt the want of this very much. The heat being so great, I used to bath every morning and while in the sea, scrubbed my hands with sand, as it was of no use using soap with salt water. On the Wednesday and Thursday after landing, we went on board and brought materials on shore to make a condenser to distil fresh water from the sea. We worked almost incessantly till we got this finished (Engineers and Stokers). We completed it and on Sunday had it making fresh water. After a few improvements, it made 400 gallons and upwards in the 24 hours. On the following day, not having much to do, I and two of my messmates with our clerk took a walk to the Settlement, as it was called. This consisted of a few huts built and owned by a number of black people, liberated slaves taken out of slavers I believe, and set here a short time back. 24 in all, men, women and children, our party were obliged to walk all the way some 10 miles almost close to the sea. We got our shoes all cut to pieces nearly, owing to the sharp coral rocks we had to travel on. At a short distance from the sea the thick brushwood commenced, among which it was impossible to penetrate almost. Some heavy showers fell, and on our way home the sky began to look threatening, so we hurried home as fast as possible. The tents were reached at last and down I tumbled, I felt so tired. Shortly after this, the storm burst, the rain fell in torrents, coming through the tent on the weather side. The wind blew so strong that I expected to be buried under the tent, and at intervals, flashes of lightening would dart across the door of the tent. The night was very dark. This continued all night, but did not hinder me from going to sleep. In the morning the sea was higher than we had before seen it, and was still rising, and if this continued much longer our condensing apparatus was sure to be washed away. Still it rose almost every wave advancing further inland. Our 3 largest boats were anchored a short distance from shore.

The previous evening they were knocked about as if they were corks on the water, one of them had the Armstrong gun (100 lb) in her. Suddenly, she capsised. The gun sank to the bottom and the boat floated out to sea and we never saw more of it. Shortly afterwards the other two boats broke from their anchors and after knocking about were dashed ashore and were with difficulty secured. This was about midday, soon afterwards our condenser was surrounded by the water and piece after piece washed down, we saved all. About this time the scene was grave, monster waves came towering to the shore, then broke with a roar on the hard rocks, sending up a shower of foam, to a considerable height. I enjoyed the scene very much, high water was about 3 p.m. and the sea at that time had advanced about 50 yards beyond its ordinary mark. That same evening we set to work again to build up our condenser, working till 12. In 48 hours from the time we commenced, we had the affair at work, and at a safe distance from the sea should it again rise. Every day after getting the condenser up, I had to go off to the ship with a party of stokers to save what we could from the wreck. Some days it was dangerous work going alongside in the boat. The distance from the shore was considerable. At high water we used to cross the reef, and at any other time had to go right round the reef which made the distance to pull, fully one third more.

The above (drawing on original letter) is a rough outline of the wreck. When the ship ran on the reef at first she did not lie in this position, but was afterwards driven higher up. One of the paddle wheels about 8 feet out of the water the other one sank in the water above the centre. The deck being so much inclined as to be almost impossible to walk on it. I must now hurry on as I am getting tired and filling so much paper. A small vessel came in during the first week on shore and in her our 2nd Lieutenant was sent to Turks Island and from there to Jamaica to bring relief to us. He came back in the "Barracouta" 16 days afterwards. She took some of our stoves on board with 41 of our men and left for Halifax, I wrote by her. On the 2nd day after she left the "Challenger" came in sight. She had the Commodore of the station on board. He ordered everything on board with all dispatch and glad I was when I left the island ("Mariguana") on Wednesday the 28th August.

For 2 or 3 nights before leaving I could not get any sleep on account of the mosquitoes and sandflys. I would not wish my worst enemy any more punishment than to live there. A month among these insects, nothing was protection against them. The Challenger left early on the morning of the 29th August and after steaming till Monday, got site of Bermuda. Got all our stoves out and turned over to the Dockyard and the officers and ships company sent to different ships about the place. I and my messmates were sent on board the "Nite" and here we remained till the "Aviadne" came in. She has been sent to look after us. 3 weeks from the time she came in, had been to Mariguana, from there to Halifax, sent from there to Bermuda where she got us at last. I was glad to get on board of her. I was tired of Bermuda. I have nothing to do and go ashore when I like. We left there on the 29th Septr. I think and reached Halifax on the morning of Wednesday, 24th. Here we are still staying and will remain till the Court Martial is over. It is now going on aboard the "Diadem", commenced on Monday morning last. Tomorrow our Captain and Master will read their defences, but am not certain whether the trial will finish. I would have liked to have sent you the result of the trial but don’t think I shall be able, as the mail is said to leave tomorrow for England. I don’t know where I shall be sent. My two messmates to night got appointments to two different ships. There is a fine fleet here just now. 11 English and 5 French vessels. I must now close as I have my long letter to look over and seal up before our lights are put out. Remember me to all enquiring friends. Kind love to all at home. Excuse me closing so hurriedly, time is so short.

Your affect Brother

John

Letter 17

H.M.S. "Racer"

New York Harbour

22nd December 1861

My dear Mother

I hope you got my last letter all right, dated about the end of last month and posted here. Since that we have been down South as far as Port Royal, South Carolina. The "Racer" left this harbour (New York) on Sunday morning the 1st December. On getting outside the weather looked rather stormy and the ship anchored off Sandy Hook all night. On Monday morning we got under weigh and with a journey which continued about 5 days. Then got steam up and proceeded with steam till the afternoon of Friday the 6th when we anchored off Charleston. Our Captain had to communicate with the British Consul at this place. Three ships of the M.S. Blockading Squadron were anchored off the harbour. As we passed under the stern of the Senior officers ship the band was on the quarterdeck and did us the honour of playing "God Save the Queen". Our Captain then went on board and stayed a few minutes. Our ship went in a little closer than the American ships but we were still several miles from the shore. The English ensign was run up at the foremast so that the Confederates might distinguish our ship. At the mouth of the harbour are several large Forts. One of them the famous Fort Sumpter. I was at too great a distance from the City to see much of it. Looking through a glass I could see the steeples, tall chimneys etc. Next morning (Saturday) a steamer was seen coming out of the harbour under a flag of truce and also the British flag flying. As our Consul was on board, she steamed up to the United States vessel who sent a boat to the steam and took the Consul on board and brought him to the "Racer". He was dressed in uniform, after remaining half an hour or so he left the ship and got on board his own, same way he was brought. As he was leaving we fired a salute of 9 guns. Immediately after he left we weighed anchor and stood away further South. We had to be back off Charleston in a day or two again to take our Consuls dispatches on board. We reached Port Royal on Sunday about 12 o’clock and anchored with the American Fleet, the "Great Expedition" as it is called. A goodly number of vessels of one sort and another are here, but most of them are small craft, gunboats prevail. The majority of the vessels are transports. Here the weather was quite delightful, almost too warm during the day. We lay about 100 yards from the "Immortalite" one of our frigates which has been here some time. She is nearly as large as the "Wabash" the United States Flag ship. The country round Port Royal is flat and level; close to the shore the American troops are encamped, their white tents being quite thick about. Provisions are plenty I believe, turkeys, sheep and bullocks to be got quite cheap. I’m sorry we had no opportunity of taking in a stock. The crew of the Immortalite appear to have taken advantage of the occasion. Some of her officers very kindly sent over turkeys etc to us. The town of the fort is situated about 14 miles up the river from the fleet so we did not see it. 3 of our officers went up the river in a boat a few miles. On shore they went into a Planters house. It was deserted but the furniture left behind. On Monday afternoon about 3 o’clock we left the Fleet and were piloted out by an officer of the M.S. Navy. He had also brought us in. On Tuesday morning we were again off Charleston. The Consul and Vice Consul came on board during the afternoon. They came out from Charleston same as before in a small Steamer, called the "Planter" which was painted in large letters on her paddle boxes. She was manned with darkies with the exception of 3 white men I think. The Consuls remained a short time then left and we proceeded to make the best of our way back to New York.

We had not such agreeable weather as when we came down. When off Capes Fear and Lookout the "Racer" was pretty well knocked about. During the night of Tuesday we passed New York and next day found ourselves too far north, turned back, and on Wednesday night took a pilot on board and on Thursday morning last cast anchor in the Harbour. The first news we heard was that war between Britain and the Northern States was almost declared and all was excitement. The newspapers are filled with almost nothing else than this Mason and Stidell affair. The mail from England had just shortly before come in and the American papers had large extracts from them, what one parties opinion was and what anothers, and so on. I don’t think there is any occasion to fear a war on this point. I give the Americans credit of being wiser than to go to war with us at this time. She has quite enough to do at present with the Southern States, although by the time of the papers they consider themselves quite a match for Britain. But great allowance must be made for their tall talk. Some of the New York papers say "it will be best to give in to the demands of Britain at this time, but to bear the affair in mind and after putting down the South beat the Britishers the 3rd time", or words to that effect. In my humble opinion I doubt very much they will ever be able to put down the Southern Confederacy. Time alone will prove it. I see by the papers too, that a great fire raged in Charleston for the space of 3 days. It must have broken out just the day after we left.

Its not certain when we shall leave here. We may go tomorrow, or perhaps not till after Christmas. It is said we go to Bermuda or Port Royal Jamaica. The ship ought to be sent home soon now, having been nearly four years in commission. Perhaps this disturbance may have the effect of keeping us longer here.

I would like very much to hear from home now. I have only got Nellys first two. I consider it rather strange that I don’t receive a letter. I hope you receive all mine. I hope you are all well at home and that you will have a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Its now almost a whole year since I was among you and will be more before you receive this. I think this will be the 2nd New Years day that I have been absent from Home. The 1sttime was New Years day 58 when I was at Sheerness. I "guess" there will be the usual Balls this season. Tea-fights etc. May they be enjoyed. While in New York yesterday I bought an English paper. It contained an account of the dreadful accident that happened in Edinburgh lately. The falling in of one of the old High Street houses whereby 26 people lost their lives. I wonder if this will cause the other old houses about to be examined as to their fitness to be allowed to stand.

Winter is now fairly setting in. The weather is cold and frosty and when the sight of a good fire does a person good to look at. Its capital weather for steaming. The temperature in the engine room will be just agreeable. In most of the American houses stoves are used instead of fire places. They heat a room much better than an open fire. The temperature everywhere being more equal, another advantage in a stove is, that more people can be seated round one, whereas at a fire place two or three persons at the most can enjoy it, but still there is nothing like "ma ain fireside". I go in for it. I’ve given all the news I could think of so I must stop writing for the present. If anything more turns up before the mail for us leaves I shall add it.

27th Letter bag closing wrote this in a hurry and with no word of leaving here yet.

J Ker

Letter 18

H.M.S. "Racer"

Bermuda Dockyard

16th January 1862

My dear Nelly

I have great pleasure in begining to answer your letter of the 16th Decr. which I received to day; about this time you should receive one from me too, dated from New York. The Racer left that place on Sunday the 29th Decr. arriving at Bermuda after a passage of 5 days. We spent a very merry Christmas. All the officers dined together in the Ward Room, but our enjoyment was rather damped during the evening by one of the men falling overboard and being drowned. A strong tide was running at the time and his body was not recovered. New Years eve was a very quiet night with us. I turned in at my usual hour not expecting to be awake when the New Year came in, but unfortunately I was roused up out of a sound sleep by some one telling me we were to get steam up. This was a little after 11, and out I had to come sore against my will, my watch terminating at 12. I heard the year 1862 ushered in by 16 strokes on the ships bell, 8 strokes being the usual number to strike at that hour the departing year and also its successor had each their share. I turned in again immediately after this, and soon was a sleep even more. In fact I had scarcely been awake during the short time I was out of my hammock.

All hands have been very busy refiting ship and putting all to rights. In our department we had our share. During two nights I was up all night. We finished yesterday and tomorrow at 11 a.m. go to sea, New York our destination. The climate here is quite delightful, much like summer at home, but it’s a terrible dull place and things very dear. The only advantage I see it possesses lies in the clothes scrubbing department. You get the clothes very well washed and at a reasonable rate compared with other places out here. The only drawback is in some of the things not coming back. Perhaps you may be lucky enough to get the number of pieces sent, but out of the lot one thing may belong to other people, but that is near trifle.

Monday 20th January at Sea

Well Nelly here we are rolling about, ship under sail and steam, you must excuse the writing now. We left Bermuda last Friday between 11 and 12 noon. The day was dull, wet, and uncomfortable. This is our fourth day at sea. We have one passenger on board, a soldier officer, on his way home from Bermuda in ill health. We have been under steam all the time, and I don’t care how soon we get into port. We expect to reach it tomorrow sometime. What a dull life it is at sea to be sure. They may sing about the free life of a sailor who likes, those who do have never been much at sea. We have only a few feet to walk about in and see nothing but the same objects day after day, ropes, canvas, sailors and sea, same companions, same faces and same duties. Its just a floating prison. After all it has its bright side too, and the thought of getting home some of these days is in itself a great pleasure.

While we were at Bermuda, the "Rinaldo" one of our Fleet out here came in with the Southern gentlemen Messrs. Mason and Slidel etc. on board. She left again next morning for "St. Thomas" I believe, to put them on board the mail Boat for England. We also got a new messmate while at Bermuda, there are 4 of us now.

I congratulate Mrs Nisbet on the birth of another daughter. I suppose about the time I shall have the pleasure of seeing her she will be able to talk or perhaps before that time Mrs Nisbets family may have again increased. I wish her much joy of them all. You mentioned in your letter this increase of family and also Mrs Blaiklies marriage as surprises. Now Nelly you are mistaken. I’m not a bit surprised at either piece of news. I could have wished for more news in your letter. I thought it very short. I made the most I could of it, in reading it over several times. We received the news of the death of Prince Albert before we left New York last month, and us and the "Rinaldo" together fired 101 minute guns as did also the French Admiral who was laying near us. We got the news on the 23rd or 24th

Decr. Today the weather is quite changed being now cold. We shall have enough of it at New York. By the bye about the letters you have had from me, you say you have only had 3 since we were at Halifax this last time, big one from the Island, one from Halifax also one from New York. You ought to have double the number. I sent a letter home by one of our men who went in the "Gladiator" telling him to post it in England. I had sent one shortly before this by the regular mail. The next letter I posted after reaching New York about the end of October, another from the same place the month following. I think altogether I sent 3 from New York, not including this one. The last one I sent I did not put a stamp on. I was told that 6 only would be charged at home. I believe that letters addressed to England sent through the New York Post office are opened. I sent one through, perhaps it may have been detained. One of my messmates got 4 stamps sent from England in one of his letters. He has kindly given me one of them for this letter. It takes me all my time to hold on and write, the table having a considerable inclination from me, and it wont keep quiet at all, rolling about but as I want to make a letter for you, you must be content with it such as it is. The letters from the ship will leave New York by the mail steamer on Wednesday provided we are fortunate to be in in time. Another of our ships, "Conqueror" has got ashore down in the direction where the "Driver" went, and I hear, a total wreck. This will be a great loss, she is one of our finest two deckers in commission and came out here just a short time ago. She was one of the Channel Fleet.

Its now gone 7 o’clock p.m. or in nautical language, 2 bells. Last dog watch, and I go on watch at 8 bells, or eight o’clock. I will heave too for a spell and perhaps resume again before closing altogether. For fear I must close in a hurry same as last one, I will put a finer finish on it. Wishing you to convey my kind regards to Cousin Agnes and all her little ones, also her old man. Also to them at Jedburgh and Wells, and tell Aunt I often think about her and the hens (not to mention the pigs etc.) and wish I was again under her hospitable roof. You say that Mother and you are as busy or busier if possible. I am glad to hear you are well and able to be busy, and tell Mother I write home every opportunity and shall continue to do so for Im sure nothing can give me greater pleasure than in doing so, and as for Bob, I think he might continue to find a little time to spare from his business and drill hours, in order that he may spend it in spinning me some sort of a yarn, for I assure him that letters at this distance from home are highly prized, and a stray newspaper now and again, like the smallest donation is thankfully received.

January 23rd

The "Racer" did not reach the harbour till last night at 8.40 when we cast anchor off Staten Island about the same place as before. We were longer in getting in then was expected. It was very cold outside, weather thick and foggy with a fall of hail occasionally. Early on Tuesday morning between 1 and 2 o’clock, the man who was heaving the ball, taking soundings was drowned. When a man is taking soundings he stands outside the ship, in a place called the main chains, and has tied round him a sort of apron. The end of which are fastened to the ship, so that he stands between the ship and apron resting against the latter with his body. The rope which secures the apron gave way and the man fell down into the sea. It was too rough and blowing at the time to send a boat after him so he was lost poor fellow.

The ship will remain here till the 31st of this month when we leave again for Bermuda. For our future proceedings I cant say one word. I don’t think there is anything new since we were here last, with the exception of snow, which I see lying ashore. The weather is pretty cold but fine and healthy. We have steamed all the way from Bermuda to here. That is from last Friday at 8 a.m. when the fires were lit till we anchored last night at 8.40. Now steam is up making fresh water. This is the longest time this vessel has been under steam at once.

Next time you write me, address to New York as its likely we shall be much employed about here. There is always one of our ships here and by the time she is to leave another is come to take her place. Just now the "Medea" is anchored near us. She left Bermuda the day after we got into that place. Here are also some French men of war. I will now close this rambling sort of letter and trust that Robert or you will soon reply to it. Kind love to you all, wishing this will find you all well at home.

Your affect Brother John

Letter 19

H.M.S. "Racer"

New York Harbour

4th February 1862

My dear Brother

Last night I received your kind letter of the 12th Jany. It’s the first one I have received direct since I came out here. In my last letter I said we expected to leave here for Bermuda about the end of January but the Medea went in place of us and we are to go to Norfolk, one of the Southern sea ports. I’m not sure when we start, I think this week. The weather is very cold now, snowing and freezing every day, being so cold up in the berth I am writing this on my knee in the stokehole by the side of a fire. The mail closes in a few minutes so that I have little time to say anything. I am sorry to learn that Mother is unwell and confined to bed. I trust the next letter will convey the intelligence that she is quite well again.

I have not been altogether well myself for sometime past. I have been on the sick list since the 23rd Jany. being affected with a slight deafness ever since the middle of Sept. I was at the Doctor several times and was told it would go away, but remaining as bad as before he put me in his list. The back of my ear has been blistered etc, but yet I don’t feel much better, perhaps it may go away.

I would have liked your letter better if it had contained some news of our friends. You said John Story had come to Hawick same afternoon you wrote, but you say no more about him, nor Aunt, Uncle, the Nisbets or any one in fact. I like to hear of them all, what they are doing etc. I have not been ashore here since we came in this time, nothing important is going on. The newspapers rather bitter against England. I sent you two papers last mail, I have not got the one you sent yet.

Now be sure to write soon and tell me all about Mother, give her my kind love, same to Nelly and you. Kind regards to all our friends. Excuse this short scrawl. I only wished to let you know that I received yours and Nellys letters all right now. Be sure to write soon.

Your affect. Brother

John

P.S. I had to pay 19 cents for your letter, over weight. I suppose use paper like this.

J. Ker

Letter 20

HMS "Racer"

Hamilton, Bermuda

6th March 1862

My dear Mother

As one of our ships here at present (the "Diadem") leaves on Saturday for England I embrace the opportunity of writing a few lines but I scarcely know what to say. The Racer left New York on the 17 Feby, reaching here on the 22nd. I hope to have a letter from home soon with the good news that you are well again and in good health, as the last letter said you had been confined to bed, I trust your illness was only slight.

There is a considerable Fleet here at present a dozen or so men of war, most of their large ships, the Admiral not having any use for us at present has sent us up to this place. The ship lies opposite and a short distance from the town of Hamilton, the largest and I think most important place on the islands. The town is very small, containing two or three stores, one or two Hotels as they are called and a few private dwellings complete the place. One newspaper is published here I think twice a month or so. The Racer, I believe is the largest ship that has ever been in the harbour. There is only one narrow entrance by which we could come in, we were obliged to wait off this for several days under steam before we could venture in. The weather being too rough, we had no sooner got in, then a signal was made to us from the Admiral ordering us to go to sea in search of some dismantled vessel. So back we turned to look for her, same evening saw us coming back towing 2 vessels after us, both vessels being disabled. Next morning at high water all three got safely into harbour and anchored, and here we remain and are likely to do some time. I have been ashore only once since leaving New York, but I hope shortly to enjoy some walks about here. The weather at present is much like April weather at home, sunshine and showers alternating, it is quite mild. We have got a new messmate since coming in. He is in charge, was appointed a long time ago but had no opportunity of joining us sooner. Another messmate (our junior) left us today, he goes home in the Diadem. In my last letter I think I mentioned that I was in the sick list. I was out of it sometime before we left America, my health is good, but no improvement in my hearing, it gets better and worse at times.

I will now draw to a close as I’ve got nothing more to write. Let my letters be still addressed to New York as that is the most direct route to Bermuda at present. On finishing this I shall turn in so I wish you good night.

Kind love to you, Nelly and Bob

I am My dear Mother

Your affect. Son

John

Saturday morning, 8th March.

The Mail leaves the shop today about 10 a.m. Since writing the above we have experienced very stormy weather, yesterday afternoon a squall came on that drove the ship nearly on shore. Steam was got up and the ship moved further from shore. This morning again about two o’clock (I had the watch from 12 to 4) the Captain sent for me and told me to get steam up. The wind blowing strong at that time, after steam was up the wind died away, all quiet this morning, but weather still looked threatening, we must be on the look out for squalls while here. The ships outside at sea must have had a rough time of it, in this harbour which is quite landlocked boats were swamped yesterday. The rain knows how to fall here too, it comes down all in a lump, I may say. Our Steward has just told me he wants to lay the table for breakfast, so I must stop.

Remember me to Cousin Agness and family. I hope they are all well.

John

Letter 21

H.M.S. "Racer"

Bermuda 14th May 1862

My dear Brother

I suppose about this time my letter from Annapolis, Maryland M.S. will have reached home and by it you will see that the "Racer" is still on the North American Station and not gone to Norfolk Island as you had strangely imagined.

We left Annapolis on the 25th for Bermuda, in consequence of a trial which was to take place here, in which several of our men were witnesses. The affair happened while we were here before when the Racer was laying in Hamilton harbour. A number of seamen were ashore at that place from the Fleet on leave and it appears that some of them wanted to get into a boarding house to remain all night. It was then after dark I think some disturbance took place outside the house, and the proprietor (an American) fired a revolver among the men, wounding one in the left temple, then fired a second time, wounding another in the left side. Both men were brought on board the Racer. The one shot in the head died shortly afterwards. The other is slowly recovering. Both men belonged to the "Aboukir". The trial commenced on the 6th Inst. and finished late last night. Verdict, manslaughter. I have not heard what the sentence is.

Early this morning we left Hamilton and are now laying of the Dockyard taking some stoves on board and tonight expect to leave for Savannah and Charleston etc. Once more, I hope it will be the last time.

Last week the Admiral and Fleet left here for Halifax, leaving four vessels behind, "Orlando", "Medea", "Peteral" and ourselves. The "Medea" leaves today or tomorrow for Halifax and takes the mail with her. She will take this letter.

I would like very much to be home soon to see the Great Exhibition. I don’t think its likely we shall remain much longer out here. The ship will have been four years in commission in the begining of June.

I hope poor Mrs Paxton is improving in health. I trust at least she will get rid of her troubles, and enjoy a little peace. Her husband must have a sorry time of it. I was glad to hear that Cousin Agness and family are well and also Miss Eckford. Give her my kind regards. I hope soon to have a letter or papers from home, saying you are all well. Remember me to Uncle, Aunt and cousins at Wells and Jedburgh.

I will now close as I am unable to fill up this paper. Kind love to Mother and Nelly and your own dear self.

Your affect Brother

John

Letter 22

H.M.S. "Racer"

At Sea, 31st May 1862

My dear Mother

Having a little time to myself at present, I have begun a letter to you that I may have one ready to send the first opportunity.

Before receiving this you ought to have got two letters from me, the first from Annapolis, and the other, Bermuda. We left the latter place about 4 p.m. on the 14th Inst, and after a weeks sailing and steaming reached the blockading squadron off Charleston, then stood closer in and anchored. After waiting a little time our Consul and Vice Consul came out to us in a small steamer. After remaining on board some time, they left again, and a few hours afterwards the Consul came on board, taking a passage with us round to Savannah River. This is about 50 or 60 miles south from Charleston. On the afternoon of the same day we got in, I along with our 2 Lieutenants, Asst. Surgeon and two others went in one of our boats and visited Fort Pulaski. This place was in possession till lately of the Southerners, but was bombarded and taken by the Yankees. One of the officers took us over all the fort. It had got a severe handling from the guns of the Northerners. On the outside one angle of the fort was completely knocked away, and in some places where the shots had struck the wall and glanced off, large hollows were made where the bricks had been torn out (its all built of brick). The inside also showed plenty of damage, 3 or 4 of the garrison were wounded, but none killed I believe. On our way to and from the boat on the ground before the Fort we saw numerous large hollows which the shot had ploughed up. Workmen were busily employed repairing the damage done, and puting the place secure again.

Next day we sailed again and after 3 hours steaming reached Port Royal having saluted the Americans and remained a little time. We left again for Charleston. We went pretty close in this time; steamer came out, put Consul on board and left same evening 27th Inst. for Fortress Monroe, Hampton Roads. This is now Saturday and are somewhere off Cape Hatteras. Its just 12 months today since I left England in the "Driver", sailing from Plymouth, truly how time flies.

We expect to find the Rinaldo at Hampton Roads. She is to leave for Halifax. If she has not left before we get in, I suppose we will send a mail by her, but if such be the case I wont send this letter till we reach Baltimore where we expect to go. There perhaps I may receive a letter from home. How is Robert and his three cows getting on. How I should like to be at home to enjoy the milk. All our time at sea we have not any for tea or coffee and without it I don’t care for either. Nearly every morning I make my breakfast on bread and water in preference to coffee and often the same at tea time. I hope you will have plenty of milk when I come home, which I trust will be during this summer towards the end.The weather is now pretty warm, not too hot, unless we are steaming, when we feel it and sweat accordingly.

2nd June Monday

Off Fortress Monroe

Sun very hot today, can dispense with coat and waistcoat in berth. We got in here yesterday afternoon and anchored between two and three o’clock p.m. close to the "Rinaldo". This place has not the same appearance to what it had two months ago. Then it was much busier, more shipping, men of war etc in the harbour, and ashore, swarming with soldiers. Most have now left. York town is taken and Norfolk in possession of the Yankees. I suppose most of the ships are at Norfolk. Steamers are plying between Fortress Monroe, Baltimore and other places to Norfolk, and a telegraphic cable has lately been laid from here to the latter place, so that no time has been lost by the Northerners in opening up communications. I would have gone to Norfolk myself, but has not time for it now.

I ought to have started this morning but did not know the time that the boats left, and tomorrow we leave at daylight for Annapolis and not Baltimore as I said in the first part of my letter. I would have preferred Baltimore. It’s a more convenient place to procure anything for the Mess. We could coal ship there, and best of all there is room for a walk, but such is not the case about Annapolis, but we cant choose places to go to. If Helen will take an Atlas, and turn to the map of the United States of America she will easily find out the places I have mentioned. They are all close on Chesapeake Bay, and that you will find in the State of Maryland, and I hope Robert and her wont make such a mistake in Geography as they made the other day in imagining I had gone to the other side of the world. I wonder they did not rather think I meant Norfolk in England, before Norfolk Island. I will now close this till another day.

H.M.S. Racer off Annapolis

4th June 1862

We got in here and anchored about 6 o’clock this morning, having left Hampton Roads yesterday at 4.15 am. and after getting within a few miles of here dropped anchor for the night. Captain not deciding it safe to venture nearer in the dark. There has been quite a change in the weather today, rain falling incessantly till about 4 p.m. Its now fair but a strong wind blowing into the roadstead.

The country is much improved since we were here last. The green fields and trees have such a refreshing appearance, and the town itself looks quite savory. The houses peeping out from the leafy trees. An American steamer came in here last evening with 500 wounded men on board. I believe they were discharged to the Government buildings ashore today. The war is being pushed on with vigour at present, the weather being favourable for the troops. I pity the poor fellows, many more will fall before this war is over. The worst of the affair is that families are divided, and brothers fighting against brothers, fathers against sons and soon part of one family being in the Northern and part in the Southern Army. I fear things wont be so soon settled as some people may think.

Our Sergeant Major has just been to our berth telling us that the mail closes tonight, the Captain taking it to Washington tomorrow morning. I will send this letter by it, and if we remain here as long as we did before, I shall again write before leaving or if I hear from home I will write.

We find strawberries very plentiful at present. They are cheap, 4 what are called quarts for 25 cents, but they are small and very sandy. I have had as many to day as I dare eat, and I think every officer on board has had the same.

If well I shall go ashore tomorrow. Its so long since I had a walk. Yesterday 4 years ago, the Racer was commissioned, its full time she was home. I will now conclude this long rambling letter. I think Mother, you will get tired of listening to it all.

My kind love to you, Nelly and Robert, and to all our friends. I hope this will find you all well.

I remain My dear Mother

Your affect Son
John

Letter 23

H.M.S. "Racer"

Off Annapolis

12th June 1862

My dear Nelly

I had much pleasure in reading your letter of date 21st May which came to hand last Tuesday, along with two Hawick newspapers, all very interesting to me. I am very sorry to learn that Mrs Paxton is so reduced by disease I know Aunt will take her case very much to heart. I trust Margt. will get over it all. I am happy you are all well at home. Try to keep so, you write very encouragingly to me in regard to my description of places. I think you would be hard to beat, yourself, in that respect, as witness your last letter containing your account of the Hawick improvements. I’m glad to hear such good accounts of my native town.

I enclose my portrait taken at Annapolis last Monday 9th Inst. I hope Mother will be pleased with it. If you or her thinks it worth while give one of them to Cousin Agness. I’ve got some more I could send. They take them much better in New York then there.

I sent off a letter to Mother a week ago from here, hope you will get it. The Racer is expected to leave tomorrow for Charleston. Once more fighting is going on there now. Perhaps we will see some of it. Its expected we come back here again. Continue to address my letter either to Halifax or New York. I have been ashore almost every good day since coming in. This afternoon I took a long walk into the country myself. The road is not good, not at all to be compared with those at home, being soft and sandy (no stones on it). The first good shower makes all the hollows into muddle holes. On oming to one of these stretching across the road, you must climb over a high snake fence. It may be into a field and so make a circuit round the pool then climb into the road again. You are often able to creep through the fence, which is a great saving of trouble provided you are not too fat, which is not the case with me. I don’t intend to fill any more paper now than this sheet for fear of making my letter too bulky.

If our Scottish friends are coming to the Exhibition in London I would like to be home when they are in England to see them for once. I agree with Mother when she says she wishes I had some of Bob’s cows milk. In my last letter you see how I get on without that luxury. I think I could almost live on milk. I daresay if I had plenty I would soon tire of it. In reading the account of the railway accident I noticed among other names among the sufferers that of Willie Nisbets father, how did he get over it.

According to newspaper accounts, a camp of instruction of 50,000 men is to be established near Annapolis. The call is still for more men throughout the United States. We expected once today to leave here at 4 a.m. tomorrow, but the Captain has gone to Washington this afternoon, so we may not leave till Saturday. I suppose he has gone for instructions where and when to go. I’m almost tired of this kind of life aboard now Nelly. I could wish I was again home and settled quietly among you once more. Now, I would much rather prefer a shore life to a life afloat, not much comfort here, but a young fellow is all the better of seeing the world and roughing it out a little. He is sure to appreciate common comforts ashore much better afterwards. I think a great deal of our life here (in the ship I mean) is lost and that often beyond our own control, we are also compelled to have for messmates and companions men we would not have anything to do with ashore, but I must stop. Although I could mention many other disagreeable things and disadvantages one is obliged to put up with. I have now been 8 months in the Racer, and hope she will be home soon.

How does Robert like his new sale saloon, or auction mart. I see by the papers you sent that it is now opened for business. I can scarcely expect to know Hawick again with so many new buildings in it since I left. You are going to get a new corn exchange too. I hope all difficulties in the way of that will be cleared away. Kind love to Mother and Robert including yourself.

Your affect Brother

John

Letter 24

H.M.S. "Racer"

Fortress Monroe

14th August 1862

My dear Nelly

On Sunday last I got your letter of June 28th along with a lot of papers for which accept my thanks. Since writing you last the "Racer" has been down to Charleston on 28th June, day you wrote me. We went inside the harbour, close up to the city, remaining till the 17th July. We are the first ship that has gone into Charleston in a lawful way since the port was blockaded. We created no little stir among the inhabitants at first, they wondering what we came for. Of course we only went to protect British interests. The battle of Secessionvile near the city, happened just a few days before we got in. I have not time to tell you about the place, people, and what we saw etc. As I have only a short time to write a letter, we found those we came in contact with, very kind indeed. Numbers came off to see the "Racer". Little business is done, most of the stores shut. Those open nearly destitute of goods. I send Robert a lot of newspapers. Hope he got them. No money is to be seen, nothing but paper notes. I will enclose some to you. After leaving Charleston, we went to Port Royal, stayed there a day or two. Came back and lay off Charleston till the Consul came out to us. After he left we made the best of our way to Fortress Monroe. The "Jason", one of our ships, is here present. A week ago we went up to Annapolis to take in coal. I would have written from there, but at that time we expected to proceed to Halifax in a few days, but since coming back here we have got orders to go back again to Charleston. Tomorrow morning the messenger is expected with dispatches and will take a mail back with him. I do sincerely hope that after this trip we will proceed to Halifax, thence home. For some time past I have not enjoyed the best of health. The weather is so very hot, thermometer in the shade ranging above 90, and the confinement in the ship does not suit me. Tell Mother I sometimes weary to get back to her again. I doubt we wont be home before the Exhibition closes. If there was any chance of that, I should like for Robert to be in London at that time, but I expect he will have been up before you receive this. I saw by the latest Hawick paper (5 July) that the new railway to Carlisle is opened. Some of these days perhaps I may have a run on it. I will send Robert a newspaper along with this letter. By it he will see that the fighting here still goes on as savagely as ever, and not much advantage gained on either side. Fight as they will, I believe the South will in the end gain their independence. They are much more determined and united in the South than the North, as far as I can judge. I went over to Norfolk a short while ago, having only an hour and a half to stay I did not see much of the place. It is very dull, little business appears to be done in it. I had not time to go to the Dockyard, besides it was too hot to walk about.

The next letter I write you I trust will be from Halifax. We may be absent on this cruise, say about a month at the outside, provided we don’t require to go into Charleston harbour again, which I don’t think is likely, so thats where you write again direct my letters to Halifax.

I suppose Robert is satisfied in being at last settled in the new auction mart. I see by the papers that the arrangement of the building for the purposes intended are excellent. It’s a rather long distance for Robert to walk from home.

Remember me to all our friends. How is Miss Eckford? I have not heard about her for a long time past.

Kind love to you all at home.

Your affect Brother John

Letter 25

H.M.S. "Racer"

Annapolis, United States

7th September 1862

My dear Mother

We are once more at Annapolis. I thought we had seen the last of it when here before. Since writing home last, the Racer has been to Charleston. I wrote to Nelly on the 14th August from Fortress Monroe, and next forenoon we sailed and had a fair wind all the way down. On the 18th we anchored off Charleston and waited till our Consul came off to us. After he left the ship, we started for Port Royal, further south, reaching there next morning. There we remained till Thursday and then left for Charleston again for the Consuls dispatches. We were off Charleston on Friday but the Consul did not make his appearance till the next day. After getting him away we started for the North. The wind was not favourable for us. We took all the following week to make our passage to Fortress Monroe. We arrived there on Sunday last 31st August about 10 p.m. The "Cadmus" one of our vessels was here, and we were told that the "Rinaldo" was coming from Halifax to relieve us. We were glad to hear it, but on Thursday last the Captain came on board with the news that we were to start for Annapolis same afternoon. Accordingly we left about 4.30 p.m. and got in here on Friday at 6 p.m.

The Southerners are the cause of our coming here at present. The Union army under General McClellan has left his position on the James River, and the Confederates are in front of Washington threatening it. A large Union army is there to defend it, and in case the Confederates cross over the Potomac into Maryland and interrupt the communication between here and Washington. We leave at once, steam up the Potomac to Washington and then wait events. We have a pilot ready so as to take up at any time. I hope we do go up. There has been a great deal of fighting lately and many soldiers killed and wounded. Within a few days past the Northerners have lost 3 generals killed in battle. The two last in the same fight. A number of the prisoners taken by the Confederates, and released on parole have arrived here in a rather sorry condition. They are to have new suits of clothes each, blankets etc. and furnished with tents. The mail leaves the ship tomorrow morning, and if we leave this place for Washington or Baltimore I shall write again first opportunity. There is a slight chance of us being relieved by the Rinaldo I think and us to proceed to Halifax.

I intended to finish this tomorrow morning so as to give you the latest news, but have just been told that the letter bag closes tonight at 10 o’clock, so I must close up in time. I hope to hear from you soon, still address to Halifax. Kind love to you all.

Your affect son

John

Letter 26

H.M.S. "Racer"

Halifax 4th November 1862

My dear Mother

The "Racer" got into Halifax yesterday afternoon between 12 and 1 o’clock. Shortly afterwards our mail came on board. I got 4 newspapers and a letter from Nelly containing the news of Cousin Margarets death. The news did not take me by surprise, as the accounts which Nelly has from time to time given me of her illness left me without any hope of her recovery. I fully sympathise with Mr Paxton in his deep loss. He will feel it very keenly, especially in having such a young family to bring up without the aid of a mother. Aunt will no doubt be in deep affliction. I trust she will bear up well under the trial she has sustained. I hope her health is not affected by her attendance at Berwick. Give her my kindest regards, including Uncle and cousins.

Now I intend to write you a very short letter. We are coming home at last. Don’t start at the news. This forenoon we were inspected by the Admiral. He left us about 12 noon. This afternoon we are coaling ship, tomorrow settle all up and on the day following start for England. We will take 21 or 22 days in crossing. I wrote Nelly last from Baltimore. We left there on the 12th Octr. and next night got down to Fortress Monroe. About 2 hours after we got in the "Peterel" one of H.M. ships came in also from Halifax bringing us a mail. I got a lot of papers and a letter from Nelly dated 3rd September. I had no time to reply to it as we left early next morning for Charleston. The "Peterel" also brought me an appointment from the Admiral to the "Peteral". This did not at all please me. I did not want to remain another 4 years out on this station the vessel being almost new from England. The Captain asked me if I wanted to go to her. I said no. He then said he would see about it when we came back from Charleston. I went to our Surgeon and told him about the appointment. He said we’ll make that all right. So a week past last Saturday 26th Oct on coming back from Charleston, the Dr. and I went on board the "Cadmus". When I was examined by other two Surgeons and got an invaliding certificate to come home in my own ship, and thus I got clear of the Peterel. I already feel better since coming to a colder climate and on reaching home expect to get as well as ever.

If it had not been for that appointment I would have continued to do duty in the "Racer" till she got paid off. Now I’ve got nothing at all to do. On arriving in England I shall be sent most likely to one of the Naval Hospitals, and remain there a short time and get 2 or 3 months sick leave and come home. I will send this letter by the mail steamer. She will be home some time before us and this will let you know of our intended movements and prevent your sending any more letters or papers out here to me. Our junior assist. left us at Baltimore, think he is deserted. This letter is longer than I expected it would be, so I will now draw to a close as a visitor is coming in.

Expect a letter from me again about the begining of December from England.

Kind regards to all at home. I got your portrait all right.

Your affectionate son

John

Letter 27

Royal Naval Hospital

Haslar 3rd Decr 1862

My dear Nelly

I got your letter about two hours ago and having finished tea I set down to reply to you. You want me to get leave almost directly but that is impossible. I must wait till the Medical Inspector considers me fit to leave Hospital. I am sorry you did not get the letter I wrote before leaving Halifax, as it explained why I would be in Hospital on reaching England. I got your letter containing Mothers portrait at Fortress Monroe on the 13thOctober I think and the same vessel that brought it had also an appointment for me, to the Peterel, same sort of ship as the "Racer". I did not like it at all, as she has been only a few months in commission and likely to remain four years or more on the West India Station. At the same time I did not feel very fit to remain out. I told the Doctor so he said he would make it all right. As we were going down to Charleston nothing more was said about it till we got back again. Immediately the ship was anchored off Fortress Monroe again from Charleston, I was taken on board the "Cadmus" by our Capt. along with the Doctor where I was surveyed by him along with other two medical officers and afterwards invalided home. That was on the 25th October, since which I have done no duty, so that if it had not been for that appointment I would have continued to do duty same as before, till the Racer was paid off, when I would have had 6 weeks leave in which time I anticipated to have regained my usual health, but now I think it is better as things have come round. I shall be well looked after here and on leaving expect to have long leave. I am very comfortable, nothing to complain of. I shall describe a days proceedings to you. At 7.30 a.m. we get out of bed, and dress, and all (four of us) meet in the ward about 8.30 when the Drs come round, enquires how we are, marks down in a book what medicine we are to take during the day and takes his leave. After this we have breakfast. At 1 dinner, at 5 tea. Doctor again for last time at 5.45. At 10 we retire to bed. The intervals between the hours we fill up as we please. The post man comes round twice a day and at 12 noon a man brings in the newspapers. I am on half diet as it is called, but I have as much as I can eat and my appetite is good. Breakfast, tea and toast, dinner, chops, potatoes, vegetables & bread. After that a rum and egg pudding, tea same as breakfast with what is left from dinner. So you see we do not want.

There are two women nurses to wait on us, but all they have got to do is to bring in our meals and make our beds. There are fine grounds round the Hospital for walking in, but the weather is rather cold and damp to venture out much. I think this is all I can say about Haslar. I thought you would like to know all about which has made me say so much.

The news in your letter about the house selling rather surprised me. I will weary very much to hear all the particulars from you. How it has at last come to giving up business and selling the old house. Write as soon as ever you have time after getting this, and let me know all. No doubt I would have been very much pleased to have been home at present to have assisted you in selecting a home or done anything else I could to assist you, but I know you will manage as well without me. You say in your letter that you enclosed Roberts likeness along with Mothers. I received Mothers only. I think you mentioned sending Roberts and your own in a letter which Robert was going to write. I would have great pleasure in hearing from him as soon as possible, its such a long time since he wrote me. How does Mother intend to employ her time after giving up business? I shall expect to hear from you very soon Nelly and anything I forget to tell you about the Hospital that you wish to know just mention it.

Thursday 4th December

Before closing this I will add that I have been weighing myself this morning and find a difference in my weight of a pound and half more since Saturday last. If I carry on at the same rate I will soon be quite stout. This morning the Doctor has allowed me a pint of porter in addition to my dinner. I got the Hawick paper last evening along with your letter. I am glad to see that the Hawick people are able to assist the Lancashire operations so well. Give my kind regards to Cousin Agness and family, Miss Eckford and all of you. I would like to have been home at New Year time but doubt very much I wont be.

Being near post time I will close.

Your very affect Brother John

Letter 28

Royal Naval Hospital

Haslar 12th December 1862

My dear Nelly

On Thursday evening I received your letter. I had been wearying very much to hear if the house had been sold, but I see it has now to be sold by public competition. I hope a good price will be got for it. When it is sold when do you flit? I suppose it must be directly as Robert has taken a house. I thought at first that Bridge St. would be your place of future residence, and I agree with you and Robert in the choice of it. It will be handy for him on the sale days, as being near the auction mart. Also handy for me as being near the railway station when I come home. It’s a quiet place too I suppose. You have at last got my Halifax letter. I gave it to one of my late messmates to post. I suppose he forgot to do so till too late for the mail. At that time, he was left behind in another ship, so after we left he found the letter in his possession I imagine, and sent it by last steamer.

What makes you say in your letter, that I should not have allowed my body to get so reduced. I don’t recollect telling you at any time anything of the sort. I think I am about the same in appearance as I was two years ago when at home and as to the bread and water you mention, I think I could thrive as well on that, as bread and tea. I suppose because I said in my last letter, that I weighed a pound or two more than when I came in here, you concluded I must be much reduced in body.

Mother wishes to know more particularly what is the matter with me. Beside the deafness which I feel the most, is a little shortness of breath when I walk fast or hurry myself. I am improving and hope in time to get rid of that. There is nothing particular the matter. Mother must not give herself any trouble at all about me. It is because I am in a Hospital that she thinks I must be very ill. She must agree with me that it was better to come home invalided when I had the chance, than to remain out on the West India Station and in a vessel I did not care about joining. As to my getting leave to come home there is not much use in thinking about that at present, as the Medical Inspector would not have it. Besides if you are going to flit soon I would prefer waiting till you are settled in your new house.

I got the Kelso paper this morning that Robert sent me. I read the account of Mr Olivers Christmas show of fat cattle etc. and am glad to see it was a success, which must have been very gratifying to Mr O. and also Robt.

I have been here 2 weeks now, all my messmates are still here yet none left, but all keeping better. Every forenoon we get out for a walk, but today the weather is unfavourable so we remain in doors. We have room in the ward for a long walk. It is 20 yards long and we reckon 90 times up and down equal to a mile and in the evenings we try who can walk the mile quickest. Being near post time I will close.

Kind love to you all.

Your effect Brother

John

Letter 29

Haslar Hospital

Gosport 27th Decr 1862

My dear Nelly

I got your letter on Christmas eve. I suppose you have my last letter since you wrote. You wish me to tell you how I spent Christmas day. Well we got it over much the same as the other days here. We had just our allowance same as usual, but my three messmates and me managed to have a plum pudding. One of the nurses bought the ingredients and made it for us. It was a first rate one, and each one of us did justice to it.

I am glad that you asked John Story to write me. I have not heard from him yet.

I still continue much the same, and therefore cannot say when I may leave the Hospital, so in that case I send you my portrait as you desire. I would have sent it long ago, but I did not consider it worth the trouble. I wished to have another taken, but as I don’t know when that may be you must do with this in the meantime. I also enclose the "Reading Girl" and the likenesses of 42 American celebrities, chiefly generals. I have a number of album cartes, 30, I daresay of United States leading men, and 7 stereoscopic views of New York. The former will go far to fill up your album. Now when are you going to send me your portrait. I have Mothers and Roberts but not Nellys.

The weather here at present is mild. On Christmas day it was warm and pleasant out of doors, sun shining bright like a summers day. One of my messmates is going to leave shortly. He has been here 7 months. While in Hospital we are on Harbour pay, mine is 4/6 per day, 3/. less than full pay.

Next week will find you in all the bustle of New Year time and the Hawick Advertiser after to days will be filled with the speeches and doing at the different factories etc. and I suppose at the present time the mill girls will be wondering what will be best becoming them to wear at the said balls. I wish them joy.

Tell Mother I have had the f5. I borrowed from her and the f3. for your muff put aside to send home this long time, and the first opportunity I have of getting a post office order I will send you the amount.

With kind love to Mother and you all. I am dear Nelly

Your affect Brother

John

Letter 30

Haslar Hospital

Gosport 29th December 1862

My dear Robert

According to promise I again write you, but the contents of this letter may take you by surprise, but I considered it best to let you know before saying anything to Mother.

My health at present is not very good, and by remaining in the Service will not be improved. I’m afraid, before leaving the "Racer" the Surgeon told me. I ought to leave the Navy as the nature of my duties would tend to make me worse. The changes of temperature being so great between the engine-room and out of it. The dust and stuff flying about below, and the poor fare we are obliged to put up with sometimes is too much for my constitution.

I would not regret leaving the Service for any privileges it gives are more than counterbalanced by the discomfort and inconveniences that one is obliged to put up with. Allow me to enumerate a few of these. In the first place there are the Mess places in the Gazettes I have sent you lately. I suppose you have read the letters complaining of the places where Engineers are obliged to mess. All I can say is they are miserable affairs in most ships. A person may be inclined to study, to read, or write and unable to do either, on account of his messmates lurking or talking at the same time, so that you are obliged to desist from your study. There being no other place for you to go to enjoy privacy, the mess berth being all that is provided. You may do very well if you are fortunate enough to have good messmates. I would not like to go through a whole commission with those I had in the "Racer". When in harbour anywhere, and leave given to go on shore, they were always sure to go, and very very often came on board in a half drunken state which was anything but pleasant to me. I have seen them continue in that state for two or 3 days at a time, and you cannot conceive of anything more disagreeable than being obliged to put up with a man in that state, and it is impossible to avoid him, being your messmate.

Another thing is the time you lose, we have a good deal of spare time which is not profitably spent. One is partly to blame for that, and partly it cant be avoided. For instance on coming off watch, after washing you don’t feel very fit to do much, being to more inclined to sleep. After the heat and fatigue you have undergone and by the time you get up and look about, its your watch below again and so on.

The long time a person is from home and all the comforts of civilized life is very irksome, sailors are much worse off than soldiers. For when they go on a foreign Station, the married officers can take their families along with them, not so with naval officers. There is precious little inducement for one of us to marry.

I wont say any more about what we have to put up with in the Navy. If was a strong healthy fellow, I might be able to get along under these things, and make the most of them, but considering the health I at present enjoy, I must say I cannot very well cope with them, and provided I do recover perfect health, my remaining in the Navy would, I fear, endanger it. For a Naval Engineer it requires a fellow with a stronger constitution than I possess. So I think the best thing for me to do is to apply to be invalided out of the Service at once. If I remain any longer it will be so much time lost, I’m afraid. Suppose I had left, I would not go to work again in a shop. I would want something lighter to do. I have now laid my whole case before you, and very much wish to hear what you have got to say about it. It may be that they wont invalid me just now, and perhaps I may come to be invalided without applying for it.

I don’t want Mother to know anything about this letter at present. I want you to write and give me your advice in the matter before it goes any further. Will you write as soon as you can after considering it.

Your affectionate Brother

John

P.S. I sent you a Gazette this forenoon. I wish you to take care of it on account of the circular concerning messing it contains. J.K.

Letter 31

Haslar Hospital

Gosport 31st December 1862

My dear Nelly

I got your letter this morning and at once complied with Roberts request concerning the portraits. I made them and the views of New York up into separate packets and sent them off by this forenoons post. Its likely you will have them on New Years night if they go all right, which I hope they will. I got the Advertiser along with your letter and to day I think you will receive an Almanac which I forwarded to you a day or two ago.

My health remains much the same yet hearing I think, a little better. Tell Mother in answer to her question, that in the morning on turning out of bed I am troubled with a cough, but never during the day, unless I am much hurried then I may cough a little. I take a mixture of some sort for it, when trouble-some. Mother must not put herself out of the way about me. I am afraid she will be thinking I am worse, then I really am.

I enclose a post office order for f8. payable in Roberts name at Hawick post office, that is for the money I owe to Mother for the muff etc. You have had cause to think I had forgot all about the muff. I am glad to be able to pay it now.

Still no word from John Story. I think he will be waiting till the New Year is over so as to be able to tell me how he spent that day. I sent him a paper the other day as a reminder that I was still to the fore, if he happened to recognize my writing in the address. I suppose there is not much doubt but that Michael Potts will get the farm for which he was a candidate on account of his being sent for to go to Edinburgh.

The weather here still continues mild, yesterday and today being pleasant and sunny outside. I think we will have a mild winter.

To night the majority of the inhabitants of Hawick will be innocent of sleep, at least until the present year has expired, but with us here we will retire to rest at our usual hour 10 o’clock and in our beds sleep the old year out and its successor in. A slight difference from last year, for then the Racer left New York for Bermuda and being under steam, my watch below expired with the year 1861 and on that occasion I washed the old year out and the new in, then quietly went into my hammock.

I again wish Mother and you all at home a happy New Year. If you go to any of the entertainment I hope you will enjoy yourself.

Your affect Brother

John

P.S. I omitted to acknowledge the receipt of your portrait. You seem as if you belonged to the 4thRoxburghshire Corp. of Volunteers standing at attention or as if you had a file or something under your chin. Don’t be offended at what I say about you but really you are standing far too stiff.

J Ker

Letter 32

Haslar Hospital

Gosport 9th January 1863

My dear Brother

I got your letter and my money order all right. The wife of one of my messmates who visits him had the kindness to take it promising to call at the post office and get the mistake corrected. She has not come in this morning yet, but may do so before post time.

Last night I got a Teviotdale Record addressed to me by Nelly, is she at Jedburgh? Or how did she come by that paper. I expect soon to have a letter from John Story. In your last you say "John has not yet learned to live upon air". Surely you don’t mean to say that he is trying to learn that sort of thing. Has his business so increased that he has got no time to spare for taking his meals, or is he practising that in order to let his sister away occasionally?

You wish to know what books I read. At present, I am engaged with "Inquiries concerning the intellectual powers etc", by John Abercombie M.D. and also Taylors, "Holy living and Dying", both very interesting books. You recommend me to Pilgrims Progress and ask if I have read it. I read it a long time ago before leaving home for school. On finishing those I am engaged with I promise you I will read it again if it is in our library. I think it is. In the Hawick paper, I saw an advertisement of a lecture on John Bunyan. I suppose you have been attending them.

In the last leading article of the H.R. paper reference is made to the Confederates in America. Their army being in rags, but still in nearly every fight victorious. I have seen both Federal and Confederate soldiers, and both are well clothed, the latter being clad in a grey uniform. Certainly they have not such a showy appearance as the Yankees which is all the difference I noticed, but soldiers in the field on actual duty, long marches, much fighting with the enemy, are sure to be in a much less presentable appearance than those not so employed, and both Confederates and Federals after a little of that hard work assume much the same appearance in regard to dress, and how else can it be expected. On Tybee Island I saw the Federal soldiers, while employed there in preparing batteries to reduce Fort Pulaski and certainly they did not look over nice. Very much that is said by the Yankees in regard to the South and its army is far from being the truth, but suppose all had been true about their want of clothing, shoes and food etc. It only shows their determination to persevere in their course and tells very much against their enemies who have every recourse at their command and yet can make no head against them. On the contrary they are wasted in every engagement especially when away from the protection of their gunboats. By this time the Federals ought to see the folly of the course they are now following. Its my opinion the people of the States wont much longer stand being treated as they now are and that a change is at hand.

Excuse me saying so much about this but I don’t like to hear or read anything not the truth about the Confederates. Being post time, I must draw to a close. Excuse mistakes I have not tried to correct them. Write soon.

Your affect Brother

John

Letter 33

Haslar Hospital

Gosport 28th January 1863

My dear Nelly

Last evening I received your letter of the 26th Inst. containing a copy of Dr. Wrights letter. As you say it is satisfactory and I think all we could wish under the circumstances.

I am inclined to wish to be invalided at once for I think I would do rather better with you at home than here. The difference of climate is the only objection, but then on the other hand my diet would be better. I could have more variety with you, then in hospital. I don’t feel any worse now than what I was during the last month on the North American Station, when I was obliged to stand the cold, and no fire to go to and the cold I experienced there was much more severe than what we have yet had here this winter. My appetite then was very good, but at present I cant do much at meal times. The last day or two it has rather improved. A little generous diet would do me as much good as the medicine I take. Recollect I don’t say anything against the treatment or food I get in hospital, but you know that many a thing I fancy I could eat, I could not very well get here, and although every attention is paid to us, I know I would be much better taken care of at home.

The ward I am in is large with a door at each end, and the nurses not always shutting these, a draught is caused through the place. The windows too, are not a particular fit. From all this you will infer that I am anxious to get home, but if it is Mothers wish that I remain longer I will do so, but I don’t think the change from Gosport to Hawick will be much against me. If Dr. Patterson is requested to write for me to be invalided as soon as possible he must say that is my friends wish that I come home soon. My hearing remains much the same, still dull. I imagine I would be invalided as much for that as for my chest complaint. You mention my going to Torquay till the cold weather is over. I don’t see any good in that, I would be better in hospital. The difference of climate between that place and here must be very trifle and while I remain here, my half pay still runs on, and I have a Dr to attend me, and my food also such as it is. I would as soon remain here as go into lodgings.

Now Nelly you must not blame Robert for not showing you the letter. I requested him keep it private, take my word for it. There was nothing very particular in it. Suppose I wrote you and asked you do the same, I have no doubt you would do so. I will repeat the advice you give me concerning Bob, "Never mind him".

I think I have said all that is necessary. By the bye, the examinations for invaliding take place here I am told on the first Wednesday of every month, so that there will be on this day week. Today I have been two months in hospital, having come in on the 28th November last.

Hoping to hear good news from you soon.

I remain dear Nelly

your affect Brother

John

Letter 34

Haslar Hospital

Gosport 2nd February 1863

My dear Nelly

I got both your letters, last one on Saturday night. Yesterday morning when the Doctor came round he asked me if I would like to go home. I said yes. No more was said, so I thought he was going to have me up for examination on Wednesday, but today I’m afraid he intends to keep me for on coming round, he enquired how my appetite was, if anything improved. On saying no he asked if I would like a change of diet. He has also allowed me arrow-root to be taken in the evenings. According to this, I think he means to keep me still in hospital. You will know however almost as soon as you receive this.

You enquire if I am sure I can undertake the journey home. Well, I’m pretty confident I can manage that, if allowed to try it. I still continue much about the same and don’t think I will improve much during the winter months. If I get no worse than what I am at present I will do very well. The weather continues rather stormy but as yet I have seen no snow. I’ve got nothing new to tell you this time. I will send the Gazette along with this. There is nothing interesting in it this week. You must excuse this short note but really I’ve got nothing to write about today. Trusting it will find you all well.

I am dear Nelly

your affect Brother

John

Letter 35

Haslar Hospital

Gosport 3rd February 1863

My dear Mother

You will know by this time the result of Dr. Pattersons letter. Dr. Deas has just been his usual rounds this evening and when leaving here, told me he would bring me forward for survey on Friday - I will endeavour to reach home on Saturday if possible. If my papers are made out so as to allow me to leave Gosport on Friday afternoon I will manage all right. If I am delayed till Saturday I will find the travelling rather awkward I’m afraid, but tomorrow I must get a Bradshaw and study the routes etc. I had a letter and newspaper from Robt. last evening. He was getting into a regular way of corresponding with me and on Monday evenings I regularly looked for his letter and paper. I wont close this till tomorrow forenoon. I may find something else to add.

4th Feby.

Today I feel pretty well. The weather is improved. I hope it will continue. One of the nurses told me this morning that those patients she has seen invalided remained two or three weeks after being surveyed, waiting for their papers from the Admiralty, but I think I may be allowed to go after the survey if I leave my address, and my papers can be sent on to me.

I got the Hawick Advertiser this morning. Today, or tomorrow I expect to hear from Helen. Having had no answer from J. Story or Uncle to my letters to them, I wrote John last evening saying he need not trouble himself now as I would be home soon.

I suppose Helen remembers the marriage of my late messmate Mr. Ankers, which took place two years ago. He is now in China. This morning I had a letter from his brother in law, Mr. May, Edinr. telling me of his nieces death. She had been ill some time, death resulted from water on the brain. I pity Mrs Ankers poor thing, it’s a great trial for her.

With kind regards to you all

I am my dear Mother

Your affect. Son

John

Letter 36

Haslar Hospital

Gosport 6th February 1863

My dear Brother

I got your letter this evening and having had tea now set myself to address you detailing the events of today, and answer your inquiry concerning pension I will begin with it. I can say with almost perfect certainty that I will receive the pension I am entitled to notwithstanding Dr. Deas being requested to invalid me. In his letter to Dr. Patterson he says, "Mr Ker is not likely to be again fit for duty on board of ship. In regard to invaliding Dr. D. is only waiting for more favourable weather, but if his friends are anxious to have him home soon, an earlier invaliding will be taken into consideration". I don’t say these are the exact words in Dr. Wrights letter to Dr. P. but however thats his meaning. That before Dr. Patterson wrote about me at all, Dr. Deas had it in his mind to invalid me, and to oblige my friends he did this sooner than he intended. But puting all that aside if he thought I would be again fit for active duty, he had no right to bring me forward for invaliding, to oblige any one, and suppose he had done so its not likely he would write to the Admiralty and say he had done so, and on that account not to allow me any pension. Not trusting to my own judgement, I laid the case before my two fellow patients (both a long time in the Service) and asked their opinion. They say it wont make any difference.

Today all the Surveying officers, Captains, and Doctors, a considerable number, were all at the survey room at 10 o’clock. I was not sent for till 11. After all the men had been nearly settled with, on being sent for, I went to the place. Dr. Wright took me in where a number of M.D.s were collected and stated to them my case. Then one felt my pulse and asked me how long I had been ill, then told me to sit down, another came forward, felt my pulse and asked if I was cold. They then chatted among themselves and no more notice was taken of me for some time. At last I was sent for to the other place where the Captains, Dr. Deas and others were seated round a large table. On entering the room Dr. Deas addressed himself to one at the head of the table, telling who I was, I suppose and what was the matter with me. I then left, after being in about two minutes, just to show myself I think - this being all I was subjected to. I came back to our Ward again. Being now anxious to ascertain if it was possible for me to be allowed to leave Hospital this afternoon, I sent to Dr. Wright to enquire if he thought it possible but he could do nothing in it he sent back. I then went myself to the Agent, and told him I wanted to leave as soon as I would be allowed to do so. He said I could not leave here before my discharge comes down from the Admiralty. It may come down tomorrow then he said I may get away on the.....

*************************************

The rest of the letter is unfortunately missing and this is the final correspondence from John Ker. On 11th February 1863 John is discharged from the Service and returned home to 3 Bridge Street, Hawick. He died of phthisis at 2 pm on the 5th September 1865 at 30 years of age. His sister Helen (Nelly) is the informant on his death certificate.

John's brother Robert died in April 1864.

John Ker history

Saturday, 27 November 2010

Railway Station 1860 - as used by John Ker in his travel to his ship

1841 Census and Hawick map

Monday, 22 November 2010

John Ker certificate of passing to Assistant Engineer 2nd class

Admiralty response to John Ker's application for service

Sunday, 21 November 2010

Draft letter from John Ker to the Admiralty, regarding his pension, after leaving the Navy

Image of the original letters from John Ker to his family

Images of John Ker's sea trunk

Ker Family Gravestone

Saturday, 20 November 2010

HMS Driver

further information from GKE John's descendant

John Ker in naval uniform

Images of the family

Images of the family

John Ker 1835-1865