Head Q'r's. 3^d R.I. Artillery

Port Royal, S.C. June 2^d 1864

 

My Dear Colonel,

                                    Yours of May 24^th is just received by the "Massachusetts". enclosed please find the Ordnance paper duly filled, but signed by the Q. Master as I never had any surplus Ordnance stores and by the help of God never mean to have any.

 

Maj Gen Foster arrived by the last "Fulton" and has assumed command. he has done me the honor to continue me as Chief of Artillery. I have visited different portions of the Department with him and like him very much. Commandant of Hilton Head Post was nothing but Major of a small and very dirty town. I could gain nothing by retaining the position. it was "fixed up" for me but I did not like it and slipped out the first favorable opportunity.

 

I have assigned Fred to Co "B" thinking a change desirable. he has been Adjutant long enough. Gould went North by the "Fulton". Col Bailey commands S.C. and adjacent plantations. your humble servant is trying to command this Regt. and has succeeded in Gould's case. 

 

Adams formerly 1^st Sergeant Co "D" a deserter since Dec 2^d rejected as an Artillery Officer by Casey's Board, and now the Gov sends him down here as a 2^d Lieut in my Regiment with a request that I see that no harm come to him for desertion, if that is not cheeky, and insulting to tell me that a deserter, who is not fit for a negro Regiment is competent for the 3^d R.I. Adams however is "awaiting trial for desertion" however, by order of Gen Commanding. I'll be d___d if I will see my deserving men overridden in this way. I dislike controversy you know, will not quarrel if I have anything else to do. I floored Gould handsomely, am sorry for him, personally but he must not trick against his old 1^st Lieut, tho' he be too "young" as he told a female friend he was never mustered and I issued a Special Order directing him to report in person forthwith to the A.G. of R.I. as he could be of no assistance here you know as a civilian. I think you can do no better than resume your old connection with Brady                                            

adjt and Q. M.

 

I am trying to have the 3^d                                                                   

continued as a Veteran Regiment                                                       

as we number twice any other Arty Regiment  

 

wish to be remembered                   

Ever truly yours

C R Brayton

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