Folly Island

Jan 26^th 1864

 

Cherished ones

                        I have managed to get a candle this eve, and I thought it would be allmost religiously consumed if I allowed a portion of it to light a few thoughts over this baren sheet, which is patiently waiting to bear a soldiers humble message. If this doomed sheet could speak dont you suppose it would complain and say why could it not have borne some Generals thought, instead of that poor engineers. When it might attempt to persuade one to press forward and obtain those laurels, but all the while thinking that perhaps fortune might turn its own, smoky and tattered form to account, and when buried as it may might be 'neath years to come, fortune might turn it up some day to sparkle as a gem in a noon day sun. Such is life we are all hoping some day to gain some higher point, if not for this worlds honors & glory, he looks for a higher seat in heaven "Where moth & rust cannot corrupt nor thieves break through nor steal" 

 

You may ask to what branch of honor is my attention directed, or whither shall we look or what point of eminence shall we watch to cheer you in your progress and share in your griefs at your downfalls. I would tell you that you need not look into military eminence for me nor political. But when something is to be done that requires a vast amount of genius and a great nations happiness depends upon its accomplishment—If I am the man, in time and were receiving a nations praise and Gods approval, my idea of earthly happiness is then complete. It seems to me now that I would then willingly leave this world for a home in Heaven, satisfied that I had been born for some purpose. For an illustration, when the Rebel Merrimack started on its mission of death the inventor of that little Monitor (Ericson) held the grade of honor. He was the man and he happened around in a very good time considering how we were situated. If that Merrrimack had been allowed to reach N.York it might have turned the tables on us for some time at all events 

 

"But my fire is dead white ashes

And the tent is chilling cold

And I am playing win the battle

When I've never been enrolled"        

Good night

 

            Tis Friday morning I believe, and I suppose one that a northerner would call warm, & comfortable, but to us (thin blooded creatures) it sends a quiver chill right through our frames, but we are under marching orders again to make a landing some where farther south though our headquarters may not go farther than Hilton Head or St. Helena Island in (Port Royal Harbor). I understand that something is going to be done, perhaps another surprise to old Reb will be affected. I hope so, for I want to make some explorations on the main before I go home

 

I have not reinlisted yet and if the inducement does not look pretty favorable I will serve my first time out first. If I could get the city bounty I dont know but I would join. But I want just as much as the next man. Supposing I dont shoot many rebs, 'tis not my fault I had about as leave shoot as to carry the gun what say you? ha! ha! Ive learned some thing since I / came into the Army. 'Tis not to love whiskey or tobacco, or to learn to swear—but we see human nature acted out here, and one would be a fool, that could not take some lessons for his benefit. In eighteen sixty one we could find true patriots in our ranks, but you will find them now as eager after an extra 100 dollars as any one as long as our beloved Uncle Sam has a sound bottom—but when she begins to leak then look wild—it will be like jumping overboard to dround in clear water

 

            My last letter from my wife contained a photograph of my little boy It was good I hope my wife has already sent you one. If not just write to her and tell her to fork over. I think a great deal of mine. I wish some times that he was old enough to be a drummer boy. I would have him along and I think if I got him I could get my wife to come to. I wish she had the ingen or the style to enlist. Assume a name and get some one to be sworn in and pass examination, and she fill the place under an assumed name. If I could have such a tent mate I would not be so scrupulous about extra 100. But I must close for my Q.M. has just come and told me to get ready immediately. Pack up Hurah for Hilton Head Good bye Write often Love to the Girls

 

            Your letter approving a reinlist was recd in due time many thanks to you Martha and Br Parsons for your kindness towards me then for Good bye

                                                                                   

from Your beloved James

Brother & Uncle

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