Headquarters U.S. Forces,

On The Savannah River,

Fort Pulaski, Ga., July 25^th, 1863.

 

            Dear Col

                        I received yours of the 25^th this evening by the Golden Gate. I was glad to get my horse Bill by the steamer, as I can take care of him here without having any fear of devouring Provost Marshals who go about picking up officers horses.

 

            I am getting on nicely with my command and have no trouble at all. I made up my mind when I assumed command not to show any favors when duty stood in the way, and I find from my short experience that this is the only way, and the true course.

 

            I wish you to get me a little information if it is not too much trouble.

 

            A few days past I wished to obtain some stores for my mess from a Sutler at the Head, and as the telegraph is my only means of communication with that point I sent the order to the Head by the Military Telegraph / the operator at the Head sent me word that he would not deliver the message unless I paid three ($3.00) Dollars, which I of course refused to do, and went without my stores.

 

            I do not consider that an officer in my situation who is not furnished with any means of transportation, should be obliged to pay for this my only means of communication with Head Quarters or any where else

 

            I do not think that the General Commanding would require it of me, or allow the operators to demand it. I did not wish to trouble the General just at present with such a petty affair, and I therefore inform you of it who perhaps are not quite so busy just at present. The slaughter at Morriss Island was quite severe from all accounts and very little accomplished by it. General Gillmore has got a little too much for himself with his present [faded] and if any reinforcements are sent him he will be obliged to draw off this is my humble opinion, and I would advise him to look out for James Island. I am so heartily sick / of hearing about the 48^th N.Y. and its gallant deeds that I almost wish that the Lord in his great goodness would translate them to some happier sphere. I am much obliged to you for sending me an answer to my telegraph to you. The officers of the 48^th under my command have all of them been at me to get permission to visit Hilton Head. I refused them all, and as the last onset was being made I received your dispatch, which at once put an end to all this bother. The regulars are bound to have all the glory if there is any in the Department. The disposition of the Regular Officers at Morriss Island is very similar to that at the taking of Pulaski when each Regular officer had to man batteries assigned to him, and received the credit of all work done by them. "Sic Transit Gloria Mundi"

                       

I am much obliged for the New South's

                                               

Yours Truly

W^m Ames

[faded]

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