Camp Prichard

Sept. 30^th 1862.

 

My Dear Father

I write that you may not be uneasy at any reports you hear about me for there are several in sirculation one that I am mortally wounded, another that I am killed. Yesterday four gun-boats came up May river to our old camp (that is Camp Jackson) when I attempted to capture one with 40 men / which was one mile in advance of the others. When I got within about 400 yards of the boat I found the enemy had about 800 infantry to support the boat & in trying to elude them & get at the boat I had hundreds of voleys poured into me, none of which took effect. Some seventy shell burst over my little party one of which passed between my horses yean & my body & burst under my right foot. It is really a miracle / that none of us were hurt. Had it not been for the infantry of the yankey I would have captured the boat & performed quite a briliant feat; but their force was too strong for me. I will have to go to Columbia day after to-morrow after uniforms & I will come directly on home, for I have a large amount of money which I do not like to keep in camp.

 

Love to all

 

Your affectionate son

John C. Calhoun

To

Col A. P. Calhoun

 

P.S.

send in for me on Saturday evening

J.C.C.

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