Hilton Head, March 6. 1862.

 

I rec^d yours of Feb 18^th on the 3^d inst. which was the thirteenth day after it was written, which is some more than five, the number of days my last was in reaching you; I think the mails are more regular from than to this place, for the reason that when a mail is put on board a vessel at New York it very often goes to Fort Monroe or Hatteras, and then back to New York, and perhaps after two or three trials it gets here, with perhaps one week or ten days later; I suppose it is all right as long as we get our letters and papers at all, but it would be pleasanter to have them come at the right time as yours do.

 

I rec^d at the same time two papers from J. N. Head. I rec^d two from him some time since which I believe I have never acknowledged. I also rec^d at the same time (March 3.) a paper from R. Carter I suppose you have heard before this of the receipt of that box as I wrote to Mr Carter on the / 11^th or 12^th and should have thought you would have heard from it by the 18^th I have written about it to you and C Grant since I want you to write if you have rec^d the money I sent on the 14^th of Feb. there was fifty dollars ($50.00) sent by Adams Express, it was paid clear through, so there was nothing for you to pay.

 

I am glad L. A. that you are in a fair way to get cured of your deafness, but would advise you not to pay the doctor much if any money till you are fairly cured as there is, I suppose you are aware a great deal of quackery and deceit amongst doctors, and travelling doctors in particular.

 

I have not seen Uncles P. or T. lately, but suppose the former was on our camp ground last Monday as all the soldiers now on this end of the island were reviewed by Gen Sherman and his Regiment were there There were five Regiments of infantry, one of cavalry and one battery (RI) and one section of artillery (Hamiltons). 

 

I may stand a better chance to see Uncle T. as I am detailed as a boatman and shall probably act as such for a month or six weeks. we are stationed at Seabrooks Landing, to which place we rowed our boats this afternoon (six miles against wind and tide) and then walked back. and that is the reason I am writing this evening and also why I shall have to stop as it is time for roll-call ½ past eight.

 

The rest of the Regiment leave tomorrow P.M. to be gone three day destination to us unknown.

 

C Donovan D W Elliott and Hale Dearborn are boatmen with me

 

I send you a copy of the Camp Kettle

                       

Direct to J W Clement

Co B. 3^d Regt N.H.V. Port Royal SC

 

P. S. I suppose you have heard of the death of W^m R Leavitt on the 18^th ult. after / one weeks illness?

 

All the rest of the Co are well and send their respects to their several friends

J.W.C.

 

To Mr John Clement                                                                          

            Exeter N.H.

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