U.S.F. St^rm Phila.

Port Royal Harbor S.C.

November 12^th 1864

 

                        Since I have ritten to you I have been to Charleston.

 

The Admiral did not go as soon as was expected, not leaving untill the following Monday after my writing you. He remained untill last Sunday, stoping at North Edisto on his return.

 

There is nothing more than usual in the opperation there Cummings Point batteries and the Rebels are still exchanging shots as usual, which seems to be the only excitement there is.

 

While on the H. Moon there where three Officers and one pvt, with ten refugees came on board 

 

(The three officers and man are our men escaped)

 

They escaped from the Rebs at North Edisto, working their way there from Charleston. They all seemed to be very well dressed and some supporting their gold watches, and all claimed to have their English protection papers. The refugees I have not much faith in, for I believe they have all come out with the full intention of runing the blockade.

 

            The election is over and I suppose you have pretty correct news from it by this time and I hope it has gone for the proper man Transports have just arrived from the north but they left two days to soon for the election.

 

There has a number of transports arrived, and I understand they have rebel prisoners on board to be exchanged. I believe there are ten thousand of them. I expect to / to hear correct news in the next mail from the North, for that is the only way we hear any thing reliable of what is going on here except what chances to fall under our eyes and ears.

 

I received a letter from Harry of the 29^th ult. he declairs his intentions to vote for Old Abe. I was surprised to see in your letter of the 4^th that you had received 300, three hundred dollars, in my name. Is it a state or county bounty. I expect to receive in a short time one hundred (100) dollars Government bounty, which at the time of my enlistment I was promised at the end of two years.

 

You say Papa will put the money in Government bonds. I am sure I do not know of a safer investment, or a more profitable one at this time, but tell him anything he may wish to use it for at presant / presant, not to hesitate in doing so, or to do any thing he may see proper. You ask me whether I am in need of any clothing. I assure you I am not or you would have known it before this. Insted of being in want, I have as much or more than I want, besides having some twenty or thirty dollars clothing money coming to me. I will explain how. We are allowed so much clothing in our four years, and all we do not draw of that amount we are paid for according to the cost of clothing at the time we are discharged.

 

            I will now close. Do not forget to send me the official returns of the election.

 

            I still continue well. Remember me with love to all, and if any more three hundred dollar bounties offer them selves do not refuse them.

 

Charley.

 

Miss M. E. Leaman

            Leaman Place

                        Lan^c Co.

 

[upside down]

 

Nov./2/64

SOURCES