Charleston Aug 22^nd

 

Dear Sister

                        I arrived here safely yesterday and after a long hunt found the company. Cousin Tom answered your letter as soon as I delivered it. I presume you received it. I reported to Col [?] this morning. He [?] and remarked that he was very glad to see me back, but [?] nothing more. Cousin Tom I suppose has told you all the news prior to the date of his letter. The / enemy commenced to shell the city last night about two oclock. We were all aroused from [?] slumbers by the explosion of shells the ringing of the alarm bells, the barking of dogs, and yells of an [?] populace.The enemy threw about a dozen shells into the city, setting several houses on fire but doing otherwise no damage. I went to see [?] fell just inside of the entrance to a hotel [?] / city and struck Ashby [?] bridges. They gave Beauregard no notice at all, and [?] Beauregard sent them [?] continued to shell the city he would hang every prisoner in his possession. There is a good deal of excitement and we all expect them to shell again tonight. Sumter is encircled clear through to the river all of her guns [?] and firing from all the batteries is still very heavy I can see that breach in the [?] from the battery. Evry body / seems to be in good spirits still. I have told you all the news [?] I know. [?] this letter [?] all others, as I do not know when I will be able to write again. [?] is very [?] at night. Tell Alex to come on down or he will miss all the fun. I suppose Tom will write again to day. This letter is to the whole family, servants & all. I will write again as soon as possible.

Direct to Charleston

                                               

Your aff brother

Albert R. Elmore

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