Graham's Plantation

Hilton Head S.C. July 17.1862.

 

Yours of the 6^th inst. I received last Monday the 14^th also 2 papers (one a pictorial) and a letter from George Eaton, all of which I was very glad to get, but thought I had ought to have got more from other sources, but suppose I ought to be content with what I do get.

 

The Pictorial had 3 pictures of the Battle of James Island, the scene represented in the large picture we none of us saw, we got there just as it was over. The lookout looks natural, but of the earthworks I can't say, as we were not near enough for me to see them distinctly. The two small pictures are probably correct enough only the 3^d R.I. Reg^t don't happen to wear Army hats.

 

The boys don't seem to think much of their having three pictures without representing our Regiment, as we did as much fighting as any of them and not more than one or two Regiments lost more men than we did to be sure we made no bayonet charge but that was because we were situated so that we couldn't / but we kept one of their heavy guns still about all the time we were there, most of the time there was a sponge in the gun, and I think they must have lost several men trying to remove it, and I think it was not removed till about the time we left. The 3^d R.I. by making that charge saved us from being surrounded.

As near as I can make out we went up as far as the house in the large picture and turned to the right, though I don't think it is a very good representation of the battle ground. Harper is apt to have more correct pictures tho' he don't get them out so quick as Leslie.

 

As I wrote you before we came back to this island July 2^d and camped near the General Hospital. we stayed there till the 9^th when we were sent out to relieve the Penn. 45^th from picket duty, which they have been doing since Jan. 1^st. We are scattered along the banks of Scull Creek from Braddocks Point to Seabrook's, from 5 to 15 miles from the Fort, one Company in a place, and each Co. puts out its own guard. Our Co is 6 or 7 miles from the Fort, and as the Col. / and Staff is here this is the Headquarters of the Regiment. The band is also with us, and it would make you laugh to see the little contrabands dance when they play, they all seem to have a good idea of time, and some of them can take very good steps.

 

The weather is pretty hot, but as we have nothing but guard duty to do, and only go on guard once in three or four days, we get along pretty well. our Company being at Head Quarters our duty is lighter than some of the other Companies.

 

Horace Hall wants to know when his box is coming a lot of express matter came up last night and he seemed disappointed because it was not forthcoming. by the way I got that box of ointment two or three days before I got the rest of my mail matter. I have used it twice. I saw Uncle Patterson a few days before we left, he was well then. I meant to have seen him again before we left, but as we were hurried off I did not get a chance. I have not heard lately where the Pocahontas / is nor anything from Uncle Thomas. I suppose you have better opportunities to hear from him than I do.

 

The health of our Company is very good now. some of the men are complaining, but I but I believe none are seriously sick. John Head's sores are some better but not well yet. Joshua Fieldsend is at work in the bakery at the Fort. All the rest of the Exeter boys are with us except the wounded who are getting along finely. W^m Marston walks without crutches now. I believe I wrote that W^m Caban died June 30^th. we have heard nothing from W^m H Merrill since we heard he was wounded and a prisoner, we hope to see him by and by.

 

I am still in the tent with S Lamprey W^m Morrison and Horace Hall. Yesterday we were all at work making bunks so that we can be comfortable if we stay here. We have a wall tent with a "fly" lent us by Major Bedell.

 

There is some talk of sending us up into Virginia but we are not sure whether we shall go or not. Some troops have gone there from here and more are going. If we go I shall try to let you know.

 

We were paid off day before yesterday and I shall send you twenty dollars the same as you would get if the allotment took effect this payment.

 

Direct as before

John W. Clement

 

To Mr John Clement                                      

            Exeter N.H.                                                     

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