Flag St^mr "H. Moon"

Stono Inlet S.C.

Feb 19^th /65

 

Sis:—

                        I am again writing to you from the "H.M." in answer to yours of the 4^th inst. received in the Fulton's mail of the 15^th

 

            You see I am again still on the "H.M." and I am becoming quite reckonciled to my condition on board of her. We are most continually on the move since my last writing, and the unusual amount of excitement has caused time to pass quickly if not pleasantly. Yes we have been under an unusual amount of excitement, such as the brilliant failure of an army and navy expedition at Bull's Bay which which we returned from last evening, bringing up at this place, where there has been lately a few useless shots expended also, by the monitor Lehigh, and the Com. M^cDonough. Rumors of going to Washington, the Admiral being releaved by Admrl. Stringham, Charleston evacuated, Richmond also, we are going to return on board the "Phila^da", the / Admiral is going to take the "H.M.", for his permanent Flag Ship on account of which we are all going to be transferred on board of her. It was reported here this morning six or seven miles from Chas'ton that the city for a positive fact, was being evacuated in that lively manner peculiar to our enemy. In fact I could fill this large sheet with small print in a short time if I should keep a memorandum of all the positive facts I hear. But among all the rumors I hear, there is not one concerning the movements of Sherman, no one thinks of asking where he is, for no one knows, but all feel "Billy" is right and is only waiting to hear of his run over Moultrie and his desent to the Flag ship, the same as his gallant movement on M^cAllister was reported to head quarters by the Admiral. Sherman's movements are certainly misterious to us, as well as the enemy, and I am begining to doubt in my own mind, his serious intentions on Charleston.

 

            We where all certain Macon, Ga. would be struck by him, also Atlanta Augusta, he is now threatening the latter place again, also Charleston and Branchville. Now what makes me doubt his intentions on Cha'ston, is this, that I do not think that he will deem it necessary to risk the natural great loss of life which would attend an attack on the strong defences of that city, / but will by taking Branchville, virtually destroy both Augusta and Cha'ston and undoubtedly cause the evacuation or surrender of the latter place, if he should continue his unobstructed march now laying open to him straight to willmington, which would call a large force from the front of Grant. Willmington could withstand him but a short time, and peace commissioners would be totally eclipsed by Grant and Sherman united, the only ones we can ever look to.

 

            Such a beautifull picture may may appear imaginary, and foolish in me to think of, and one which Sherman could never present to the public. If I would leave it to my own inteligence in military affairs I would say, no he cannot, and I would have said the same when or before he left Atlanta and when arriving before Savannah, if I had of known the strength of that place in fortification the same as I do now. I would have said he would have never entered it with more than thirty thousand of his whole command, but "Billy" has accomplished all this with a loss of no one, I may truly say. In looking what he has done I do not pretend to say or even imagine what "Billy" can do, but when I come to consider what he can not do, my "vision's limited", as M^r "Samuel Weller" says "If I had a pair o' patent double million magnifying glass microscopes of hextra power I might / be able to see through a flight of stairs, and a deal door". Probably I have entertained you to a wearing extent in giving you my empty imaginations in regard to our future in the war. So I will try and redeem my lost character by museing so rude a theam, and will call your attention, and express my regrets for not being able to partake with you, your anticipated pleasure of but yesterday last wednesday, occationed by the commencement of our Cousin Roberts honeymoon. I have no doubt but that he remembers and acknowledges the truthfulness of the saying that "In the midst of life we are in death" yet he has visions of the fact that in the midst of war we can be in peace, and "enjoy life, liberty and the pursuits of happyness", a certainly great problem solved in connection with the many this war has done, in reference to the superiority of our form of government. I trust however that it may prove to our cousin, truly a honeymoon and not as is so often the case honey actually in the moon. At all events express my highest regards, best wishes, and a hearty God speed, connected with all the hapyness imaginable for his and her future, to him, and if it is agreeable to your views of that tact in which I am but little versed, to her also.

 

            I was certainly much surprised to see you where writing from Lancaster, but nevertheless I had arrived at the conclusion that pen, ink & paper is just as plentifull in Lancaster as any where else, and I am pleased to see you have decided likewise. You speak of some of the citizens of Lancaster becoming indignant at the President for going to meet the peace commissioners. It certainly showes a very good spirit, but for my part I do not place my judgment, in such matters, in a superior position to that of either the President or M^r Seward's in such m I think however it showes they still are of the same opinion in regard to us being mudsills to them, when they can decend by a Grant, the James River and with superiority ask for a peacefull separation, just as though there never was an 8^th of September 1864, or that Grant, Sherman, and Thomas, and many more where mere nominal things at whose head there is nothing but the splint of a rail instead of a rail spliter. And although it is the most troublesome rail ever attempted by any one to split, yet the feat is nearer accomplished than our Southern brethren would wish, or would like to permit or acknowledge.

 

I will enclose this sheet trusting it will be in time for the Fulton's mail, leaving tomorrow.

 

I still continue in unusual good health and will try and remain so if I can.

 

            You will please excuse writing, and write soon, often, and in a lengthy manner to,

           

Charley.

 

Miss M. E. Leaman

            Leaman Place Lan^c Co. Pa.

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