February 17, 1864
Near Portsmouth Virginia
Dear Brother and Friends at Home;
The only curiosity I have seen lately is a “colored train” coming in from North Carolina. About sixty teams, four of them ox teams and one double team of horses—the rest mules & Virginia Carts. It is said that when a company of colored troops scout into the country they give all slaves a chance to enlist—to come or stay as they choose whether they enlist of not. But when a man does enlist, they make a draft of a team on the farmer giving a receipt for it, load up the darkie household and leave. Most of the women ride and usually one or two “curly heads” are sticking out somewhere. The man and half~grown “chillen” foot it. I presume I could carry the weight of baggage of one family on my back. A few of them have a small show of old furniture. It is necessary to come in contact with them and witness the longings of the real man in them to have the fullest sympathy. It is the simple desire of manhood, implanted by God, speaking out....
It is time for “tattoo” so good night from your affectionate brother
Jay Nettleton
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