File:Letter, 30 September 1862, page 3 of 4.jpg

English: "It has the largest engine I ever saw. Another is for making gun cassions. One for making sails. One for making and storing life-boats. One for storing masts. Some of them were 3ft in diameter. Another is for making boilers and tinware lanterns refrigerators &c There are a many timber sheds all...

Have you received the sewing-machine and does it work well? Father spoke of the interest I think it was reckoned on the mortgage that was taken up – up to the 14 of Aug or the day that we paid it. I do not remember the amount the interest on other I think was to run until due. Did you have the one that was taken up assigned over to Mother? I think it would be policy to do so. I received the mattrass but have not opened it if there is anything it it tell me. I did not find the apples thread-case & scizzors. I guess you forgot to put them in if you did put them n they are probably there for I did not search for them on account of smashing the peaches. If I took them out they would go like hot-cakes among those that I do not care to give too. I will look for them and tell you whether they are there before closing this letter. Now little ones it is your turn. The Navy Yard les just west of the barracks. It takes up as much ground as from the Hotel to Geneva St then north to Buffalo St then to Lioga St and back to the Hotel. It is enclosed by a high brick wall on the west and south sides. You enter on the west side. All the buildings (and there must be nearly 50 of them perhaps more) are of brick or iron. The first one is used for officer's room and guard room for marines standing guard at the yard. The next is a fire engine house containing several hand engine and one beautiful steam fire engine. The next thing which attracts your attention is the cannon columbiads shot & shell. There all sizes of cannon from a 6 pounder to 150lb columbiad some brass Dhalgren 24" Parrotts Pivots Howitzers Long Rifled 32s in fact all kind guns in use. The shot and shell are piled up in pyramids. There are enough in the yard to fill our house. Passing by these you come to the yard where the anchors are kept. Some of these are the largest in use."

From the John K. Murdock Collection (COLL/799) at the Archives Branch, Marine Corps History Division

OFFICIAL USMC PHOTOGRAPH