Flag St^rm "Phil^da"

Port Royal S.C.

November 21^st /64

 

Sis:—

                        I received your letter of the 12^th in the Arago's mail, and as she is signaled to leave tomorrow morning I will answer it this dark, dreary, rainy afternoon.

 

            I received a letter from Harry of the 16^th in the same mail with yours. He says he has come to the determination to leave the Dept. this winter if he possibly can. He also mentions the box of curiosities he sent you. He still continues well, as I do myself.

 

            The news you sent me of the election was the first reliable news I heard of it, although we had rumors that Abe was elected, but I did not expect him / to get such a splendid majority. I think it shows we are still a United States and it will show Jefferson Davis that he may look out for squalls and as he says he will still hold out if Richmond, Mobile, Savannah, & Charleston where all captured, I think he will soon have the pleasure of doing so, and we will find out then whether this war still continues to be a falur or not. I see Lan^c Co. turned out better this time than she did before. I am realy proud of her, she is neither found wanting in the field or at the ballot box, or relieving the soldiers in any way.

 

            Harry speaks of the election at Hilton Head of which he was one of the judges, out of (72) seventy two votes polled, M^cClellan had (15) fifteen. This is about the way our soldiers stand in most every Dept. If the soldiers are satisfied with Father Abraham / I do not see why every one else should not be.

 

            I see it is reported that Sherman is marching on Savannah or Cha'ston, it was rumored here a few days ago that he was (25) twenty five miles in the rear of the latter, but I have not heard anything more of it since. If he is marching on either place I do not see as there is any thing to hinder him from occupying it. There is certainly no troops in Charleston to oppose him

 

Sis, I am sending to Jack in this mail, "The Report of the Secretary of the Navy, with an Appendix, containing the reports of Officers, for 1863." Let me know whether he receives it or not. I think it will be something he will like to see. I also am sending a "Sailors Magazine" containing the life of "Peter Heywood, Midshipman of the Bounty", / to Rosh. Tell him to let me know when he has read it, and how he likes it

 

I will now close wishing to be remembered with much love to all.

Charley.

 

Miss M. E. Leaman

Leaman Place

Lan^c Co.

Penna.

 

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Dec. 21/64

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