Str. Phila.

July 25^th/64.

 

Sis:

                        We are now on our way to P. Royal. We left Cha'ston at two o'clock this morning and expect to arrive before the Arago leaves for the north. If we arrive in time these lines will reach you in a few days.

 

I have seen papers of the 16^th and am relieved as to your safety from the raiders. It is very easly seen now that we could expect nothing else but a raid from some portion of Lee's forces, knowing that he played the same game twice before. I think it strange that men in authority and having three years experiance in Lee's tackticks did not see or expect that he would make a raid of some kind and be / prepaired for them. From what we have heard yet it did not seem to turn Grant from his regular course and if accounts we see from Richmond papers are true they are beginning to think think that Grant is playing a slow fever on them. His losses of course must be fearfull but we cannot expect any thing else when we look at the disadvantages our forces are labouring under and the advantage they (the Rebs) have over them. The difference is fearfully great, and unless we had an experianced and tryed Commander like we have our hopes could be but few. All are looking to Grant to rake Richmond and think if a little time is given all will be gratified.

 

I am glad to hear that the call the Gov. has made is being / answered with a will for I think I have experience enough to know that nothing would give Grants troops so much encouragement as to know they where supported at home not only by fireside talkers but men that are willing to share their exposures and deprivations with them.

 

            We arrived at Cha'ston the begining of last week and it has been very stormy ever since and this vessel has been shook a great deal but not hurt. The batteries on Cummings Point have kept a pretty lively fire all the time and a good portion of it at Sumter, which looks as usual. I have not heard from Harry since my last writing. I am still well and wishing to be remembered to all I close.

Charley.

 

[overleaf]

 

July 25/64

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