U.S.F. Steamer

Philadelphia.

Port Royal S.C.

May 3^d/64

 

Sis:—

            As I expected when I wrote you last we would soon start for Charleston but we have come a little further. We arrived here yesterday morning about eleven o'clock. Directly a portion of our mail came on board, and I received a letter from you dated the 18^th of Feb, and allso one from Rosh dated the 1^st of March. I am confident of more mail for me, but I never expected to receive it.

 

We left Washington on the 28^th ult. just two months from the day we left Charleston. Our Guard returns remains just the same as before, with the exception of one member who deserted on our last liberty there. / He was a young man from Chester County and was five years in the U.S. Army, and was discharged a Sergt. of his Company. He was a man we all liked, and we suppose he got tired of the sea service which he deserted with the intention of joining the Army.

 

Ensign Johnson, Act. Fleet Lieut, returned with us with the rank of Lieut, allso the Admiral clerk (Mr Ellis) returns with the rank of Ensign. The Admiral looked quite down hearted on leaving. We had very good weather on our way down, except last Sunday when we had quite a squall causeing us to pitch and roll a great deal, which made seasickness quite common. In the evening all hands where called to quarters for a Irish schooner on her way to Washington She was taken in this squadron and / ordered north by Commodore Rowan. We did not stop at Charleston as as we expected but passed, early on Monday morning and proceeded to this place. The Frigate Wabash was here and a Monitor was all the strange vessels here. The Phil^a was alongside of a schooner coaling and when it was reported to the Admiral he seemed quite pleased. At six o'clock in the evening we where transferred on board the Phil^a and are now fixed presisely the same as when we left. They have been makeing some slight alterations on her, but every thing is about the same as when we left. This morning we ran up on the beach, but for how long, or what for I do not know. We are are all glad of our return from The Harvest Moon. She is a very good vessel of her kind but her Officers spoil her and would spoil any vessel, on account of their / inexperiance being all volunteers. If we remain here long I may get over to see Harry, or he may come to see me if he should hear of our being here. It is quite chilley here to day but clear. I will now close with love to all.

 

Charley.

 

Miss M. E. Leaman

            Leaman Place

                        Lanc. Co.

                                    Penn^a

 

May 3/64

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