Hilton Head August 29/63

 

Dear Colonel

                        Your favor of Aug 26^th has been received. And am happy to learn that your has improved. I was fearful when you left that you would have a serious time of it. And did not write thinking you would not like to be troubled with the affairs of the Reg^t while wounded.

 

            We are doing nicely. As well as ever. [faded] and men. With one exception no drunkard the one was Hill. I had to put him in the Guard House where I kept him four days. since then he has been doing duty with his Company untill yesterday Shall put him on duty as Orderly again tomorrow. He swears he'll touch no more liquor. And I think he means it.

 

            Your communication was forwarded at once to the Gen^l. We did not receive the mail untill last night.

 

            Lieut James has been relieved from Genl Terry Staff and has joined his Company at Fort Mitchell. Where he is doing [faded]

 

            Lieut Holbrook was mortally wounded by a shell on the [faded] Fish of the same [faded] died. some [faded] wounded not badly [faded] / I will send you a New South with this which will give you all the news.

 

            We are having of those cold North East storms one wants a fire to day. hope it will finish up to day tomorrow is muster.

 

            I have been quite busy for a few day Am Senior member of a Courts Martial of a Board of Commissioners and have been on as Member of Council twice. I understand that Gen^l Gillmore forbids the division of the Post Fund. Says it shall be used for the benefit of the whole. He wants ten men men for the Band, and they must be supplied with new instruments. And some of the old ones must be repaired. Terry is at the bottom of all this I think. I hear suggestions have been forwarded for the Council to act upon. they must not put me on that Council.

 

            Private Smith of Co. K. and McCarey of Co. F. both disappeared the first of last week, the former belonged to the detachment on the May Flower. the other was employed at the Ordnance Yard. it is supposed they went North. The Provost has been looking for them here without success.

 

            The enclosed communication was received by the last mail. [faded] notice of it knowing it would be useless [faded] the Gen^l with such a request. I did [faded] I thought you being there [faded] impossible to obtain a [faded] /

 

I must tell you, the Doctor has left the mess the Adjutant and myself run the machine. He would left before, but disliked very much to loose the Ceow. Can you trade him off with or to some other Regiment. I believe he does the best he can but we should have someone who can do better.

 

            I have received a letter from the Chaplain. He is very anxious to get back. I think he is better off where is present. Shall write him to night. there I guess I have told all worth telling.

 

            And Colonel we would like to see you back again very much but I hope you will not come untill you get well and in the meantime will do my best to keep the Reg^t in good order, and discipline. Trusting that we may have the pleasure of seeing you soon.

 

I remain Truly Yours

John Frieze

 

To

Col E Metcalf

            3^d R I Artillery

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