Tag Archives: James Gifford

21 September 1864: “My sleeping quarters will not be quite as comfortable”

Posted on 21 Sep ’14 by

Item Description: James Gifford writes to his parents about his journey home to them in New Bedford, Massachusetts . He was a Naval officer stationed off the coast of North Carolina. Citation: Folder 3, in the James Gifford Papers #4493-z, Southern … Continue reading →

Posted in Southern Historical Collection | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on 21 September 1864: “My sleeping quarters will not be quite as comfortable”

17 April 1864: “Tomorrow I shall have the opportunity of seeing a torpedo work.”

Posted on 17 Apr ’14 by

Item Description: Letter written 17 April 1864 by James “Jim” E. Gifford to his parents in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Gifford discusses blockade running, lack of any news on the ship, and the use of a torpedo to clear out a ship … Continue reading →

Posted in Southern Historical Collection | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on 17 April 1864: “Tomorrow I shall have the opportunity of seeing a torpedo work.”

3 April 1864: “I am glad Dixie is learning to sing and I wish it was summer, so he could hear other birds sing.”

Posted on 3 Apr ’14 by

Item Description: Letter, 3 April 1864, from James Gifford to his parents, describing the burning of Cape Lookout lighthouse, the rations on his ship, his duties, and how to “take snuff” like a Southern lady. Gifford, a United States Navy paymaster steward, … Continue reading →

Posted in Southern Historical Collection | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on 3 April 1864: “I am glad Dixie is learning to sing and I wish it was summer, so he could hear other birds sing.”