Hilton Head S.C.

August 30^th 1863.

 

Dear Colonel.

                        I send you a package of letters which I have been keeping in hopes you would have been with us 'ere this. But the communication which was forwarded to Dep't Head Qr's through our office rec'd from you, led me to think you might get them before you started on your return. At least I will risk them and trust to luck. The one from Major Rogers was opened by Col Frieze at my advice and in my presence. Coming from Washington at the same time with some official letters we thought it must have some relation to them, not once thinking of Col. Rogers. We looked at the signature only and when we saw who it was from looked foolish enough I tell you. Please excuse us. I trust Colonel you are in good health and hope soon to have you with us once again. The officers all unite in their kind regards to you including Capt's Metcalf and [torn] who are down from Morris Island [torn] No more[faded] 

 

a piece of shell tearing his shoulder so that his arm was amputated and the shoulder blade removed. His left lung was also injured which was probably the immediate cause of his death. Brave fellow may the grass grow green o'er his grave. His funeral was truly a military one, borne in a rudely made coffin covered with our Country's flag upon one of Capt Brayton's caissons preceeded by the Post Band with a detail of our own officers of the same rank for bearers and followed by a large number of officers and men he was carried to his lonely resting place. He was burried at Morris Island. Sgt Fish was also wounded and died just as the boat touched the wharf at Beaufort. Private Eddy of same Company had his head literally torn from his body. C^o "I" had several men wounded by one of those favorite guns, Parrott 200 pounder, bursting some three or four of them have bursted since you left. They have been throwing shell into Charleston, the other day setting it on fire in three places. I could tell you lots of news but it would be contraband and I forbear. Brayton is having lott's of fun over Montgomery, he is to be in command of the nigger [torn] being a regular (having rec'd [torn] Presiding officer he out- / ranks them all up there. Brayton laughs some. He is a smart one and no mistake and about enough for any of them as near as I can find out. Wilcoxson and Henry (Metcalf) have just come in and wish to be especially remembered to you. Wilcoxson says everything goes on well but I am afraid that Post Bakery business troubles him The General has relieved by Gen Order 68 nearly all his bakers and he sends no bread to Morris Island. The General has ordered him to send to New York and get two foremen and twenty men with tools &c enough to supply sixteen thousand men. All to be paid out of our Post fund. Good-bye Post fund. The General has also ordered ten new musicians for the Brigade band (or as I term it Gen Terry's band) instruments to be repaired, Mr Ingalls to go North, supplied with funds from the Post at the Head to pay his expenses. The Gen has ordered the Post fund not to be divided but to be expended for the use benefit of the entire department. So we go. I realy wish you were back again at the post. Don't say it too loud Colonel but I'm Post Commandant and everything else. Oh dear I wish our Colonel was back and all his regiment were with him at Morris Island, so we [torn] wish. Col, do come back [torn] / under Col. Frieze—but we want our Colonel here. Col trusting these few lines will prove acceptable to you

                                               

I have the honor to be

Very Respectfully

Your Obd't Servant

George O. Gorton

1^st Lieut & Adjutant

3^d R. I. Artillery

And

Post Adjutant

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