Graham's Plantation, 

Hilton Head, Aug. 7. 1862

 

Yours of July 29^th I rec^d on the 4^th inst., last Monday—also a Traveller of the 26^th and was very glad to get them and the contents of the letter; as we had soup for dinner that day and I didn't happen to have any pepper, you may judge if it didn't seem like a coincidence as it was the first time we have had soup for a long time.

 

As you see by the date we are still at the same place as when I last wrote. it seems likely that we shall stay here for sometime to come but of that of course we cannot tell, but I know we cannot go far unless we have reinforcements, as quite a number of Regiments have gone to Virginia that were formerly stationed in this neighborhood. As I believe I told you before our duty is quite light here, we have nothing to do but go on guard once in three or four days. / But that is as much as we care about doing as we have rather warmer weather here than you are having. the thermometer this forenoon stood at 95° in the shade, and it is nearly as high every day, and seldom gets below 75° in the night.

 

There is not much news here except that the Rebs have got an iron clad steam ram nearly nearly ready to start out from Savannah. But Commodore Dupont is on the lookout for it and thinks it can be captured before it can do much damage. The Blockading Fleet have lately captured a steamer with a cargo valued at a million dollars and have sent her into this harbor at least such is the report here, and I think it is true.

 

There is considerable sickness in the Regiment, six or eight of our Company are on the sick list, but two of them are Exeter boys Joseph Prescott and Woodberry Berry.

 

Aug. 8. Last night three men from Co. H. deserted, they took a boat on the pretense / of going fishing, but went across the creek instead; what could be their object is more than I can see; those who know them say they are of not much account, and I should think likely that was the case as Co. H. had about as many of that sort as any Co. in the Regiment. This is the second case of desertion in this Army, the first one was a member of the N.Y. Volunteer Engineers while we were on James Island.

 

You asked me how I spent the Fourth, the principal thing I did was to write, but I didn't have to work any part of the day.

 

I am sorry Fred Favor did not call on you, hope Sergeant Dunn will, if he goes to Exeter I think he will as I gave him my watch to carry, but it is very uncertain about his going there as he goes recruiting and has to report at Concord soon after he gets home and he may not have time before that. / as you say nothing about it I suppose you have not received it yet.

 

I have not seen either of my Uncles since I last wrote; our wounded are doing well, William Marston and D. W. Elliott talk of coming up here to-day if they can come in the boat, and as the Captain has gone down to Head Quarters in the boat to-day we expect them up.

 

I don't know when the mail will go and will keep my letter open till I hear it is going, so I can give you any little item.

 

Give my respects to all

John W. Clement.

 

To Mr John Clement                          

            Exeter NH

 

Elliott and Marston are here but will not probably do any duty at present.

 

Ward Leavitt is unwell but nothing serious I think. Direct as before

J.W.C.

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