Camp Stephen Olney Hilton Head

May 12^th 1862

 

Dear Mother & Sisters

                                    I was thrown into a paroxysm of delight this morning by the receipt of a box upon coming home from drill & a noble box it was well worthy of the usual sagacity & forethought of the Wild family. It opened in first rate shape not an article out place and the sweets are duly dispensed to those who have shared with me in a similar manner. The Atlantic that brought it arrived here last Friday and I had given up all idea of a letter much less a box until the next mail which arrives here now in a very irregular manner. We expect the paymaster here every day and are now sadly in want of him our loose change having been deposited at the sutlers up to the last red & we are obliged to eat Uncle Sams beans rice & bread or else go without. It is amusing to see how far one will go to beg a pipe full of tobacco & even matches are highly prized But knowing your aversion to them I did not mention them before. Your epistolary productions were most acceptable and the books are invaluable for old Harpers & magazines are read through here twice before they are lent. Summer has set in in good earnest the mercury often being above 100º and the usual complement of skeeters & flies which are terrific in numbers & verocity. We have a large proportion of sick in our ranks and on every dress parade one or more drop down where they stand Our Hospital is full to overflowing but we have not lost a man yet. a large number of sick & Unfit for duty will go tomorrow in the steamer that carries this letter. The money I never saw or heard of and we did not bring out any man of that name John T. Gardner with us & it would be like hunting for a needle / in a hay mow to find out now who it was. I do not want a straw hat I am so used to the cap that I do not mind it & I have got my havelock here. I am glad to have EJ travel to New York & only hope that he can make it profitable as formerly. The shears are a real treasure & the housewifery will all come in play if the war does not end too soon as it now bids fair to from the last news Burnside at Wilmington & Little Mac @ Yorktown. They have already begun organizing a black regiment here similar to the Sepoys of India with white officers. Two companies were sent out this morn to drive in the contrabands from the upper end of the island able bodied males only the females are employed in peddling blackberries through the camp splendid blackberries. I shall be glad to see it done they are a lazy saucy pack of hounds costing U.S. a pretty sum. I was much obliged for Ellens letter & would write her if I had anything interesting to communicate send her much love I am glad old Brookline still exists. We have a young fellow here Nelson J. Bogman a corporal enlisted from Brookline I often compare notes with him. I do not need a thing in the clothing line. I do not wear them out so quick as others & I brought some extra's with me if we should ever move I should have to dispose of them. You did well in seeding down & it would not be strange if you had my help in harvesting. Give my best wishes to Barney & anything more substantial that you may think proper. I think he is a "rara avis" in that precinct. Little May's production is very good and I thank all the little ones for their unanimous contributions for my comfort both at home & here. Drill call has just sounded and I must close

 

yours in good health & the best spirits

Walter H.

 

[top margin]

 

Do not fear that I will let you know when I really want anything but do Give my heartfelt love & thanks to Aunt Mary Ann & Barrett and all her family for many kindnesses.

                                                                                                                                    —W—

SOURCES