Morris Island S.C. July 20^th 1863.

 

Dear Colonel

                                    No answer from you yet in reply to my letter. "Anything broke"? or has the "Savannah" grabbed Hilton Head with all that stands thereon. Brayton informed me last night that he had written to you, and had given all the particulars of the "Wagner" rumpus. Consequently my budget of news is empty. During the engagement on the 18^th a private of Capt Braytons Co. C. was slightly wounded, and two privates of Co M., all slight. James Harris Co I [faded] Co. M.  Cut on the knee by piece of [faded] John C. Thompson [faded] bruised slightly. On duty now. Harris and [faded] were taken to H-Head. Yesterday all quiet both sides. To-day the batteries have been [faded] but didn't do much damage. Two privates of Co. D  wounded by premature discharge Samuel Hicks [faded] of sight [faded] little finger [faded] 

 

I wish you could be here. What the d___l are certain folks thinking about. Six companies here of the 3^d and they want a "Head" Bailey has done well, very well, and is entitled to praise. The same can be justly said of all the officers and men. They have done their duty and deserve honorable mention, but whether they get it or not remains to be seen. Hospital Steward F N Gould has been of great service to me, has been prompt at all times and ready to face danger when necessary. He is now Actg Asst Surgeon and does well. I hope he will be remembered when a vacancy occurs. Can you spare Samson, if some one can be found who will look to our men remaining on Hilton Hd. I would like for you to send the young man up to us. Guess we can manage to keep him awake part of the time.

 

Cant say much about the future here. Maybe we shall take "Sumpter" then again we "Montent"

           

Our loss on the 18^th will not be short of 750 in all

 

Yours truly

[Barton]                                 

with a [?]

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