Stm^r "Phil^da"

Port Royal S.C.

December 23d 1864

 

Sis:—

                        Although it is Jack's letter I am answering, I will address you, knowing it to be understood that letters so addressed, from me, are intended for one and all.

 

            Jack mentions that the cause of him writing was that you where in Lancaster spending a few days. I hope you had a pleasant visit, and felt free to enjoy yourself as much as possible. I am inclined to believe, Sis, but hope I may be wrong in my belief, that you do not feel yourself free for enjoyment, and in fact do deprive yourself from many public pleasures and visits on account of the many privations of a / comfortable home, which the exigencies of the service we (Harry & myself) have chosen in this glorious struggle, renders necessary for us to endure.

 

All privations thus occasioned have been chosen by us of our own free will, and are endured by us willingly on account of being aware of them before we where called upon to endure them. But if we where aware that you or any member of the family where depriveing themselves of the slightest pleasure in any form on that account, or for fear we or strangers would think it improper, would only add one more, to that long list of pleasant, yet melancholy thoughts of our much esteemed home, and one of those which are to be most sincerely regreted. Now Sis, take all the pleasure society will afford, and by so doing, increase our pleasure. I speak for Harry for I am confident / he agrees with me in opinion, if not in words.

 

            But enough, only remember what I have said and also remember Sherman is allright, Grant, Sheridan, and it is hoped Thomas is all right, and if I am not home this Christmas, or the next, it is more than probable (if I am spared) that I will be home the following, where we will be able to meet, not only in a union of hearts, but allso in a union of states, which are more numerous, more healthy in their constitutional organizations, more loyal to their general Government, and stronger, and more confidence in themselves, as to being able to demand redress, for the many insults they have been compelled to endure for so long, than they where five years ago.

 

            Sherman will have Savannah as sure / sure as I have this pen. He has it now pretty well invested. Foster and Dahlgren has command of its only communication to or from the north. Dahlgren is assisting him as much as possible, with his vessels, but no one is able to assist him more than he is able to assist himself. I am afraid there will be considerable stubborn fighting, but Savannah is doomed. I seen Sherman a few hundred yards off the other day on the "H. Moon" when I made myself the possessor of a glass for a good view of so esteemed a personage, and I dare say I can tell more about him than I could of the Admiral who was walking with him and one I have been with for more than a year.

 

He is a man, I judge, about 5 ft. 11 incs. rather slim, but not poor. Sharp features and I could distinguish his promonant nose, has a tolerable firm step. He had on a slouch (dark) hat, uniform coat, white vest dark pants and being on board of a vessel over night was brushed up, boots blacked and presented a very good appearance, quite contrary to the one he made first, with no uniform, pants in boots, and mud to the kneas. He was walking, smoaking a segar, and his head down, which position makes you firmly of the opinion was the cause of him straying from Atlanta to Savannah. 

 

On the 20^th the Gen. and Admiral visited Gen. Foster at Hilton Head and was received with a salute. There was a report came yesterday that they where evacuating Savannah and had blown up one of the rams, and also that we had captured another fort. Sherman came on to the M^cAlister and only gave them time to fire four shots before he was in on them, but they are said to have fought desperate, many not surrendering while on their backs, at the mercy of a saber or bayonet.

 

            I will enclose a printed list of sailing days of the steamers.

 

Do not get uneasy about that strange question, nothing is wrong. I am well and will keep so, if I can. I write as always,

Charley

 

Miss M. E. Leaman

            Leaman Place

                        Lanc. Co. Pa

 

[overleaf]

 

Dec. 23/64

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