U.S. Steamer Phila.

P. Royal Harbor S.C.

August 5^th/64.

 

Sis:

                        This is the second time I have seated myself to let you know how I am. I missed the Fulton's mail and have just heard of a mail closing at six o'clock this evening, for the north.

 

The cause of my not answering your letter of the 19^th by the Fulton mail was, on account of the Admiral going to Charleston in the H. Moon to witness the exchange of prisners in that Harbor on the 3d, which you will have heard of by the time this reaches you. I was writing at the time we received orders to get every thing ready to leave which was done in short time, / but it was between nine and ten in the evening before there was a move made to go on account of Gens Sickels and Foster being with the Admiral. Gen Sickels arrived in the morning in the Admiral and Admiral Dahlgren went on board to see him, and in the afternoon the two Gens (Sickels & Foster) met and took dinner with the Admiral. Late in the evening we where all ordered on board of a tug and just before leaving to go on board the H. Moon a number of us where ordered to remain on board this vessel and as I was on duty on board at the time I was one of the number left. and I was not was not sorry for it although I would of liked to have seen the exchange. There where a number of Gen's and Col's / exchanged I understand and among them Gen. Seymore, who went north from this Dept. with Gen. Gillmore. The exchange was scarsely over when the firing from shore commenced as usual. In the afternoon after the exchanged where taken on board of the Admiral (the transport on which Gen. Sickels & Staff where,) the Admiral & Lieut. Johnson now Act Fleet Capt, went on board to see and take dinner with them. I understand the exchanged prisners went north in the Admiral so you will know more paticulars by the time this reaches you, than I can give.

 

Since I wrote you last the Admiral has had his first lady visitor. The lady was Capt Reynolds wife, of the Vermont. The Capt. was north a short time ago, she returned with him, so they both payed the Admiral a visit befor leaving in the Store Ship Vermont for the north. The Vermont has been relieved by the New Hampshire (Com. Thatcher).

 

The latest accounts we have from all quarters of our forces are incouraging.

 

I have heard nothing from Harry since my last writing. I am passing time as usual, and still continue well.

Charley.

 

Miss M. E. Leaman

 

[upside down]

 

Augst 5/64

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