Stm^r Phil^da

Port Royal S.C.

Dec. 15^th 1864

 

Sis:—

                        I have not received a letter from you or Harry since my last writeing.

 

I have heard from Harry however indirectly through the Surgeon of this ship, who was over at the Head the other day and saw him. He says Harry is as buisy as he can be, having every bed of his ward full, being filled by this expedition.

 

            The expedition is still being carried on, but not as vigorously as at first, for the attention of Gen. Foster and the Admiral is more particularly called now to Savannah and other points along the coast, below this, in order that / nothing may be left undone to assist Sherman in his great movement. Not the least doubt is expressed by any one, as to the success of his movement, and all think that time is only necessary for its completion All ready there has been a salute fired here for his success so far and I understand that there was three hundred (300) bags of mail came down in Fulton for Sherman's Army, which shows the authorities expects his arrival here in a short time. Some of his scouts have arrived here, bringing despaches to the Admiral and Gen. Foster.

 

Taking the worst of the Rebel news for our authority, Sherman's safe arrival along the coast some where is to certain for us any longer to doubt, and I am only ancious for the day to arrive when I shall be able to go ashore, among, and see that / that glorious army. I flatter myself of seeing that day shortly and if I do not I will be greatly disappointed.

 

As Sherman's reaching the coast is beyond a doubt, the question that arises to me and I suppose every one else is, what will he do when he does arrive? I do not think he will lay idle because he is right at the sourse of his supplies. I fancy that Savannah and Charleston will both be turned over, by him, into the hands of Gen. Foster and the Admiral, while he still goes on dealing death and destruction to armed rebels where ever he may find them. Showing to some of our doubtfull selves that the war is not, and is not agoing to be, a failure and to the world that we are a free people ever to be looked up to and respected by all nations and all people / friend or foe.

 

            There is no use in me going or trying to tell you any thing about this expedition for all I know is sumed up with a 0. I have however heard something from the papers just received.

 

The Admiral is now down the coast some where in the H. Moon, but I am not able to tell you exactly where. I hear though indirectly that he is at Wassaw Sound. He has been away for several days and I am expecting his return every day with the good news of Sherman Safe!

 

            I am still well, and hope Harry may keep his health under his increased duties, which we all know must be very exciting to him.

 

I will now close, a merry Christmas and happy New Year to all.

Charley.   

 

M. E. Leaman                                                                                           

Leaman Place

Lan^c Co.

Penna.            

 

[upside down] Dec. 15/64

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