Oberly, Aaron Shimer Letters (1861-1865)

              [page 1]
U.S. Frigate Sabine 
Navy Yard New York Jan. 8th 1861 

Dear Maria 

Once more safely on board the Sabine 
I will address a few lines to [59 ?] from which I left 
a few days ago. 

I arrived on the evening of the day of any departure 
and found all my messmates enjoying the pleasures 
of an indoor life, while without everything looked 
cold and dreary. They all seemed gratified to 
welcome my return while I no less appreciated the 
interest manifested. For as we have been months 
together we have become insensibly fond of each 
other and feel sorry when any one becomes detached 
and ordered elsewhere - Yesterday our master was 
detached and ordered to the St Louis at the Phila 
navy yard. We all felt sorry to learn the fact, as 
he was a young man whose presence was very 
much appreciated. 

The Stove we received abroad a few days ago 
gives a more cheerful appearance to our ward 
room and which likewise makes all more sociable. 


[page 2]
On my arrival I found Dr. indisposed to leave 
the ship saying that he had deferred his business 
and did not expect to see me so soon. However 
he went ashore yesterday, and intends staying 48 
hours or more, after which my turn comes. I will 
have numerous opportunities, and expect to 
come to New Heaven before we leave. T'is doubtful 
whether we will get away before February as they 
seem to have considerable work on hand in the 
Navy Yard, and because some gunboats here 
just arrived will receive the first attention, owing to 
their greater efficiency on our coast. 

During my absence on Sunday the Harbor around 
the Navy Yard had frozen over so that it was 
difficult to pass to & fro from the ship. To day 
the tide flowed it down the stream making our 
progress more easy 

I intended going to Eastern in a few days to 
see my parents, brothers & Sisters but do not 
expect to stay but a short time - merely make a 
call. Our Captain seemed to insist this AM 
that I should see my friends and oblige the Dr to 
be more aboard. 

What our place of destination is to be after we 
receive our outfit we know not. The Captain 
merely stating that our ship was in high repute 
at Washington. 


[page 3]
I have but little to do at present having 
sent nearly all the sick to the Hospital. Today 
I send six more, leaving but a few trivial cases. 

A few moments ago I was requested to go 
to New York this PM (afternoon) to see one of our 
men, a petty officer who during his liberty was 
taken sick. I shall see to having him sent to 
the naval Hospital. 

Of those permitted to go on liberty one half 
have not returned & probably will never. 
Jack does well enough aboard the ship under 
discipline but when relieved he knows no bounds. 

Since my return I have recovered my appetite 
and can manage to complete a respectable meal- 
If on a second visit my appetite perchance should 
fail I will consider the fates hostile to my enjoy- 
ment in that place. 

Tell your Aunt that I will endeavor to call 
in person for the garments making, and that 
no steps need be taken in forwarding unless 
otherwise ordered. 

I do not know as I have more to say of 
information at present and consequently will 
close. With many wishes for your welfare, happin- 
ess & success I remain yours truly 

Oberly 

Remember me to Aunt and the invalid