Morris Island SC July 17^th 1863

 

Dear Col

                        Yesterday I received yours of the 13^th inst. Will admit I owe you an apology for not writing before but in the language of the immortal Sp[?] "The fact on it is, my time has been well occupied by work [faded]

 

            During the engagement with the enemy on the morning of the 10^th inst Lt Col Jackson (Actg Chief of [faded] ) (had command of all the batteries [faded] Bailey had command [faded] line of intrenchments [faded] 

 

The only casualties in this detachm't were those whom you has seen of Co D. Shaw didn't shoot the gunner.

 

            I had the honor to be in the batteries during the hubbub. Didn't get hit, but expected every moment to swallow a 10 in for tonic. As I was devilish hungry most of the time, dont think it would have hurt me much. Guess my digestive organs sufficiently strong to mix one up

 

            Brayton was "Rats" all the time One of his men had a fancy for a long visit to the rear. B had him brought back and taught him the art of balancing on the toe of a boot also "severial" steps in a new polka. That same [faded] After he had his exercise Brayton had him up on the embankment [faded] guns and ordered him to [faded] must have engaged them [faded] and the smoke [faded] 

 

I must mention an incident in justice to Brayton. When the 76^th landed to storm the reb batteries, they staggered from the heavy fire poured upon them. Brayton could not depress his guns, so as to protect them. He asked for engineers to go out and dig away the dirt, but they didn't go. Then B. ordered his men to tear away the gabions and [?] and run the guns out upon the embankment which they did. From this new position he played the devil with the rebs.

 

            Last night one detachment came over here [faded] to the batteries but [faded] ready for them. They were out in a lively shower, and this morning they look kinder wilted [faded] to begin the music [faded] morning I shall go up [faded] table as you can if the [faded] will allow. All [faded]

                                                                                                                                                                                  

Chief [faded]

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