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His Excellency
Gov. Holbrook
BrattleboroVermont

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Ship BrennerShip Island HarborSunday Apr 6 1862Dear Father,

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We arrived here yesterday afternoon in advance of the "left [    ]" of the 8th Regt. We all thought we were a long time getting here, but we understand we made the quickest passage that has been made by any sailing passed for a long time (to this place). On leaving it. [    ] we had a few days of fair wind but did not last long we went with strong west by winds & we were tossing at out on a heavy sailing sea for nearly a week, here most all were sick. I fortunately was soon over my sickness not withstanding I

was among the first to come down after a week pitching we were favored with a good breeze & made Abaeo (a part of the Balrema Group) & we had land in sight for a day or two, we enjoyed the sight exceedingly although they were generally very Carran with little or no vegetation, upon them, on some of the islands there were a few Coconut trees Fine Apple trees they are mostly inhabitated by negroes. some of them came aboard the ship with shells, Sermons Vegetables & ect. to sell they were quite intelligent. The rest of the voyage we met had light winds. We had a very gentlemenly & pleasant captain & one who seemed to understand his business thourally the officers presented him with some resolutions.

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to be printed in the Associated dress testifying their apreciating of his conduct.

The Col. & selfavent ashore last night we called on Gen. Butler he invited us into his tent. we then called on Gen Phelps we had quite a long talk with him he is in good health I should think today I have been laying out our camp. we have a fair place for a camp we get a fine breeze from the ocean constantly. and the front rests on the beach which will be our drilling ground. I met May, & of the 8th Vt. the 8th & 7th are close together, only a few feel apart & directly in front of Gen Phelps quarters. The health of the men in very good. It does not seem very

hot to me here the breeze from the ocean is very refreshing & always was very invigorating to one. I presume there will be a move made here very soon.

Porter's [      ] fleet is at the mouth of the Mississippi. I had quite a long talk with Gen. Phelps this evening. We are to disembark tomorrow our left wing has not yet arrived it will probably be here to-night or to-morrow. I will give you a discription of the island the ways we live & ect in my next letter I had not no doubt you will receive the one of later going by on an ailing vessel I feel in in excellent health & spirits. I respect there will be another opportunity to send some letters in a few days & I will send anohter then with more information as it is late & I feel some what tired I will close here. With a great deal of love to mother Johnny. [      ] & all we have gain.

Your aff. SonW. C. Holbrook