Hilton Head S.C. Jan. 1. 1863

 

Yours of Dec 23^d I rec^d this P.M. and as the mail goes to-morrow, tho't I would try and answer it to-night.

 

I suppose you have heard before this that our long expected box has at length arrived. it got here last Friday the 26^th ult. and since then I have been a little more comfortable, what with vest, gloves and socks in the day-time and quilt at night. I find there is considerable difference, though we do not have quite so cold weather as you do neither do we live in walled houses but in tents. The port-folio is about the right size, and though not exactly what I wanted will do very well. The eatables were all spoilt except the cheese (all that you sent). W^m Marston's eatables and some cake that George Eaton sent to Ward Leavitt and I, being dry, kept well. I expected that the pies would spoil as they were on the road / so long time and so was not so much disappointed as I might have been.

 

That pepper came in handy and so does this pen that I am writing with, and the straps probably will the first time I go on picket as they are just the right length to go round my blankets. I tho't at first that they were too short but on trying them I found they were by accident just the right length as I made a very good guess. Those shoe strings come in at about the right time also. So you see that everything has come right at last.

 

We were all very much disappointed to hear that Dearborn and Williams had given up the idea of sending a schooner down here, as we should all like to see the old express monopoly broken up, and I think a good smart company that would attend to their business and treat men a little better than dogs would do a good business by running two steamers from New York to New Orleans, / stopping at Fortress Monroe, Hatteras, Hilton Head, &c &c

 

I don't know what they will do with the Captain, he has had his trial and it is said he is acquitted, but he has not taken command of the Company yet. Thing still remains a private. all the rest of the Co are well

 

I am sorry to hear that Rich^d Nealy is wounded. (James Carlisle says that his wife writes that there is a report that he is dead) and glad to hear that Augustus Leavitt has got away from the Rebs. they use some of their prisoners rather rough sometimes.

 

Some of the soldiers had a good time Christmas and some of them are having a good time today, as well as Thanksgiving day.

 

I am glad to hear of more papers coming and hope you will not stop sending them again on any account. if you can't write send papers.

 

As change and postage stamps are / scarce perhaps I shall let you pay the postage on this letter.

 

Wishing you and all the rest, especially those who assisted in getting up our box, not only one but many happy New Years I remain truly yours

                                                                                               

J. W. Clement

 

To Mr John Clement

Exeter N.H.

 

Tell Charles Grant to send me an Almanac calculated for this meridian. Any Patent Medicine Almanac will do. One for 1863.          J.W.C.

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