"Pinckney Island", S.C. Feb. 17. 1863.

 

Yours of the 2^d inst I rec^d last Saturday the 14^th inst. and should have answered it before but we were making preparations to come here when I got yours, and Sunday we came as far as "Seabrook's" and early yesterday morning we came over and spent the forenoon in scouting over the island and in the afternoon we pitched our tents and fixed up our camp. This is the island I suppose you will recollect where Co "H" or rather part of them were taken last summer, since which time our forces have not occupied this island till we came over here. There are six Co's of us here; we left "G" and "H" in camp and Co "I" is on "Provost Guard" and Co "E" is stationed at "Seabrook" We landed in two separate parties; Co's "A" & "D" landed at the place where Co "H" was taken, and the rest of us landed / opposite "Fort Mitchell". I don't know where the rest went but Co "I" and part of our Co under Lieut Fogg went to the southerly end of the island as far as we could go. we saw but one Rebel and he was on the main land, he came down on the beach and fired towards us but as the ball didn't come much more than half way across Capt. Rundlett tho't he was not dangerous enough to waste powder and ball on, and so we didn't fire back though I suppose our rifles would carry nearly if not quite across "Mackay's Creek", which is the name of the stream that divides this island from the main land, though whether any of us could have hit him or not is another question.

 

How long we shall stay here I do not know; before we started it was said that a week or ten days would be the extent but since we have been here I / have heard it stated that we are liable to stay here a number of months; I hope not many I hope as I happen to know that the mosquitos are enough to give any one the horrors in the summer time. I think there is not much chance of either going into battle or garrison at present, as near as I can learn Gen. Foster's forces will make an attack on either Charleston or Savannah soon, how soon I do not know. it is said that Gen. Foster has gone to Washington. Since I have been writing there has been heavy firing in the direction of Savannah River whether it was there or farther off I cannot tell. Probably our forces will not do anything more than try to cut off the communication between Charleston & Savannah in case Gen. Foster makes an attack on either place.

 

I am glad that Aunt Harriet came to see you, but am sorry she is in such low spirits, should think she would try and travel more; give her my best respects /

I am sorry you, L.A. had to postpone your journey but hope you will be able to make one next spring or summer.

 

I don't know whether I told you that I rec^d a letter from Martha Patterson, but I did get one written on the 27^th of Jan. and I got it on the 4^th of Feb. She said she should make you a visit next spring and I hope some of you will go back with her.

 

The Exeteronians except J. M. Watson and Jere. Weeks are well. Sergt Watson dont appear to be very sick although I understand he has applied for his discharge. Jere. Weeks is very sick with inflammation of the bowels, he is not expected to live, though he may.

 

John Head, George Giddings and W^m Marston have been detailed from our Regiment into the "Signal Corps"                       

 

Yours in haste                        

J. W. Clements

 

We have been paid off for two months to Nov 1

 

To Mr John Clement                          

            Exeter NH         

                     

Send some Postage Stamps

 

Your letter and George Eaton came in separate mails

 

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I got your letter book and paper, George Eaton's letter and an almanac & a little paper called the "Monitor" from Charles Grant (for which I am much obliged to him). all at once

 

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I bought a "New South" of the 14^th and will send it to you if I get a chance. I left it at the "Head". Direct as usual           

J.W.C.

 

I knew about the Dividends

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