Edisto Island, S.C. Monday, April 7. 1862

 

We have at last left Hilton Head. Last Thursday we got the order to get ready to start at twelve o'clock o'clock, but they kept us waiting all day, but did not start till 10 o'clock Friday; we didn't get ashore here till after dark, and then marched about 2 miles and stopped for the night, and Saturday we marched eight miles farther to Dr Mitchell's Plantation where we are now camped. We are only about 15 or 20 miles from Charleston, which may be our destination; the Rebels have a force on Jehossee Island which is only separated from this by a narrow creek. Last night our company went out on picket about a mile and a half from here, there were other pickets outside of ours. I think our folks will try to drive the Rebs off of Jehossee soon. The midges and mosquitos are so thick / that we can hardly sleep at night or do much by day; smoke is the only thing that will drive them.

 

We have been paid off again and I send you fifteen ($15) dollars enclosed, by express which I shall pay through. The reason I send no more is that I want to have money enough left to last till next pay day

                                   

Direct to John W. Clement

Co. B. 3^d Regt N.H.V. Port Royal, S.C.

 

To Mr John Clement

Exeter N.H.

 

PS I have concluded to send twenty $20 dollars instead of fifteen

SOURCES