Camp Battery "C." 3^d R.I. Artillery

Beaufort S.C. May 22^d /63

 

Dear Colonel,

                        Your's of the 18^th inst came to hand yesterday, with the cider desired, enclosed. Your guess about the comparison of Batteries is a delicate one for me, but I will say that I think I can maneouvre as rapidly and correctly as any Battery here. I can only judge of those that I drill side by side with. I feel confident I can drill more quickly than the Batteries here—at least have so far. Sanger does not want another Section, so he says. I think the best way is to make application to Gen Hunter direct, make a fair, open statement to him and get his approval, which you as a Chief of Artillery can do, I think, over Hamilton's head, then I dont care and—but for Hamilton—preparatory to this I have add [torn] communication to Hamilton "through the proper channels" asking for another Section now that there is a plenty of horses and stated that / Lieut Henry's Battery was to be increased to six pieces. he must therefore give me the Section or state in writing his objection to giving it to me. if he refuse, then I shall obtain Saxton's assistance and carry the matter direct to Hunter and let the "hardest feud off". I am satisfied Hamilton is a d___ rascal and a liar and will injure you or your Regiment all he can. I ask no odds of him or any of his crew. I have been in hot water all this week about some articles that Sanger says were lost while I had his Section. I deny it, did so in writing, refused to receipt unless so ordered by the Gen. Sanger writes to Hamilton, he sends a lengthy communication making Sanger's case all right, but I found several weak points in his statements, wrote out my views sent them to Sanger. he calls a Board of [faded], thinks to have them give an opinion and fix responsibility on me without giving me a chance to clear myself. I heard of it, a proper President was placed on the Board, Sanger was very polite, told the Board that he made / statements that he would swear to, they heard him and adjourned. next day I was called before them, was told what Sanger said, demanded that he should make an affidavit and I would swear that his affidavit was a lie if he stated as true what he had told them. he would not do it. Board see the game, then I tell the reason of the whole thing his ill feeling on account of my having his Section and I think I got the best of him, although he was confident and bragged that he had beat me but that was before the Board had heard my side. Sanger sent to Hamilton without going through these (Post) Hd Qrs and received [faded] a copy. I showed it to Saxton. he gets mad, sends to Sanger, threatens to put him under arrest, but he explained in a long communication and was let off. I'll follow him up so close he will not want to tackle a "damn volunteer Officer" for amusement every day. He says Hamilton told him that a Regular Officer's / word would be taken before a Volunteers. Don't think Colonel I would have you buckle to that Hamilton for any thing. show that you have some [?] and can walk erect whether he smiles or frowns. we shall live yet. whiskey will do its work, and soon too with him. I think your choice for Co A excellent. I have volunteered to go on this expedition with Montgomery, shall take a Section, with horses, anything to get out of this monotonous life and I shall loose nothing by it and Saxton is glad to have me go, as I have identified myself with him as opposed to the Regulars whom he hates. How long I shall be gone don't know, shall go Monday or Tuesday if to stay a long time shall come back and send a Lieut. P S Thibadeaux Co B reports to this Co. I would like to have him as he is a Bugler I have taken the preliminary steps to get him from the Boat Yard. Here I am with another bore for you, but Court Martials will not be always in session.

                                                                                               

Truly yours

C R Brayton

 

Col Metcalf

3^d R.I. Artillery          

Rec^d & ans^d May 22/63                      

SOURCES