U.S.F. Strm Phila.

Port Royal S.C.

Oct . 20^th 1864

 

Sis:—

                        I have just finished my dinner of roast beaf and potatoes. I need not tell you how much I have eaten, for I am as able to do as good a job on the beaf as ever. We have had fresh meet for several days, supplied from a schooner. The Donegal arrived last evening which will supply us for three or four days more.

 

            The greater portion of the Donegal's mail is on board and I have received nothing from you yet. As the Arago's mail closes this evening I will write a few lines expecting to receive a letter from you before I finish them. I have not heard any thing from Harry since I was to see him and I judge from / that he is moveing along as usual.

 

The Donegal brings dates with her of the 15^th. The election returns of the Penna seem to be coming in very slow and it looks as though it was going to be a pretty even election.

 

I have just now received a letter from Harry of the 5^th He has no news only that he has lost his roommate Dr. Hart. When I was to see him the Dr. was very low and was trying to get a pass for the north. Harry says he misses him very much.

 

The news from the election caused quite an excitement among some of the men that are in favor of Little Mac. He seems to have quite a number of friends on board here. It is hard for one to think that a man like M^cClellan at the head of so large an army as that of the Potomac and for so long a period could have a heart so deceitful as to / sell the labors of our Armies for the past three years and more for a nominal and perishable peace. He does not come out openly and say he will. But he is in company with those that we all know would, and he does not appear to be ashamed of his company. As for my part I would be very sorry to cast a vote for any man that thinks of peace untill the south acknowledge there error by laying down their arms and are willing to join us with the spirit of '76.

 

There are some escaped Union prisoners on board, who came to day and some of the men on board seem to think it strange that they are not in favor of Mac. They think of course a man that was a prisoner will shurley want peace on any terms. These men denounce him on account of the company he is keeping.

My opinion is Sis, that the shurest / and most speady way for the north to obtain peace, is for every man to cast his vote for a vigorous prosecution of the war, and and not only vote, but also show the south that every one has a willing spirit to back that vote at all hazard.

 

I will enclose a list of sailing days of the three transports to and from this Port for the last two mo. of the year.

 

I am passing the time as usual. The weather is more pleasant than it has been for some time here. I will now close wishing to be remembered to all.

Charley.

 

Miss M. E. Leaman

Leaman Place

Lan^c Co.

Penna.                        

 

[upside down] Oct. 20/64

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