Civil War Letter 81 st U.S. Colored Infantry

Single folded lined letter sheet with two pages cross written, so six total manuscript pages, written by 1 st Lt. Hartwell Freeman, 81 st U.S. Colored Infantry, headed: On board steamer Matain?? New Orleans April 24 th 1863, We are not off yet. Yesterday we were loading vessel with clothing, arms &c. Today they are bringing tents poles, provisions, &c on board. Today is the anniversary f the surrender of New Orleans. Our ship as well as others on the river here have their colors flying in honor of the day. There is to be a great time here to day. A ball is to be given to night called the great ??? Ball. Gen. Banks is to be present. Yesterday I sent you three papers in one wrapper…(cross written with work could be transcribed): We are permitted togo ashore for five or six hours in the day time. I went down to Jackson Sq. yesterday. It is a very fine place in the French part of the town. On one side of the square there is a large French Catholic Cathedral. In the center of the square is a large ??? equestrian statue of Gen. Jackson. It is one of the finest things of its kind I have ever seen. The weather is awfully hot here. You are first on the verge of spring, at home, I suppose. Here everything is in bloom and as forward as it s in August at home. One thing among many that disgusts me, and that is having to drink this dirty muddy Mississippi water. It is dirtier than our pond water after a long rain. Several of our officers have been under arrest for slight offences. The tables are miserable, not fit for a negro to eat off of, the cups, plates, knives, forks, &c. are not half washed, nor are the victuales (sic)cooked properly. They are full of dirt and they presume to ask us two dollars per day for such grub. I do not think they will get it. We were onboard two weeks yesterday, and we may be on two weeks more for ??? (rest of letter cross written). Condition normal folds, else VG+. From a group of letters found in a Kentucky estate.