Charleston. S.C. Sept. 17

Flag Ship S. A. Block'g Sq'd'n off

 

Sis,

            Before I had my last letter sealed I was ordered to pack up to go on board of a ship, which I soon found to be the flag shipp, for in less than two hrs, I was on board of her. There are eight of us detailed here from the Battallion as Orderlies for the Admiral and there being so many of us the duty is very light. A discription of the Admiral's aperance I will not give for I suppose you have got it. He seems to be and of course is in a great streach of mind, and I think if it continues long will be more than his body can stand, for he appeares very weak and to see him walk you would think him a man of seventy or eighty, and he is very iratable. From what I can learn he has every / thing ready to commence most any day, but from what I can see of the opperations on shore, I think Gen. Gillmore is changeing his front since Wagner & Gregg have been evacuated, and the Admiral is waiting on him, along with good weather, for ever since I have been aboard we have been laying in the chanel at the warf on account of the ruff sea. Our quarters here are not as pleasant as you would suppose on board of a vessel but more pleasant than on shore. As we are not able to get any thing here I will you will have to send me some paper if you want to hear from me much more. Direct your letters to the Flagship and not the Batallion. I will now close. remember me to all inquireing friends and much love to all.

                                                                                                           

Charley

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