Morris Island S.C. July 26^th 1863.

                       

Dear Colonel

                                                "Things is queer" Major Bailey relieved from duty and ordered to report to Col Metcalf Comdg 3^rd RI Vols. "How are you Regulars"? Dont be afraid the volunteers wont trust you. They never had the advantage of being "Counter jumpers" in a two per ct thread and needle establishment, did they? Of course not . How can you expect the d___d fools to know anything about Artillery? Then again the "Almighty" never created but two or three hundred human beings and they all rec'd "diplomas" from that Heaven of the Chosen few, West Point. All other walking images are mongrels compared with them and are not capable of acquiring the essentials necessary to make a bold soger boy What the d___l can we do now that Brayton of the 3^d R.I. Vols has appointed "Asst Chief of Artillery [faded] his authority and not [faded] 

 

Once I thought that a certain Lieut. of Regulars (who would have been very much pleased to have receive a commis as Col of a d___d Volunteer Regiment) was a good friend to you and to the Regiment, but at the present time, I think differently.

 

Some people are so afraid that somebody besides themselves will get a little credit, that they allow jealousy to take possession of common sense, and indirectly abuse their best friends. "Nuf sed"

 

            Do not think that all things go smoothly here as there are many "ups and downs" and a few d___d contrary pussons who "wont be driv"

 

            Maj Bailey has tried hard to do his duty faithfully and promptly and ought, at least, to receive a "Thank you sir". I think he has been ordered back to Hilton Head to make room. We shall see what we shall see. I hope that the Great Guns will not spring a trap on Brayton. He will look sharp [faded] or look in time to [faded]

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