"Pinckney Island" S.C. March 23. 1863

 

Yours of the 8^th inst. came into camp day-before-yesterday, but as I was on picket I did not get it till yesterday, and as we are not allowed to sleep while on picket I was too sleepy to write any yesterday, so I shall try to see what I can do to-day. I also got a paper from you and one from George Eaton by the same mail, much obliged for the same, but should like to see something that had the returns of the election in it, probably there is something of the sort on the way, as George promised to send them after election.

 

I wish all the men at home would lose their interest in politics, and try and do something for their country. Politics bro't on the war, have kept it going so far, and if the country is finally ruined, politics will / be the cause of it.

 

If all stories are true our Brigade had a narrow escape last week. The story is that two contrabands came down from Pocotaligo saying that that they had just run away from the Rebs and that there were nothing but pickets between "McKays Landing" and "Pocotaligo Bridge" and but very few of them. This was told to Gen. Hunter and he ordered Gen. Terry to take his Brigade and go and destroy the bridge; but before starting Gen. Terry took it into his head to question the contrabands himself, and by cross-questioning them he found that they had been sent down by the Rebs, who had a large force ready to give anyone a warm reception, and that they the contrabands were to have their freedom and a big house to live in if they succeeded. I don't know how true the story is but I do know that our Regiment had orders to be ready in light marching order with one day's rations in their haversacks, last Thursday morning; the / order was given on Wednesday morning and countermanded the same evening about 9 o'clock. A number of Regiments marched up to this side of Hilton Head Island Wednesday P.M. I suppose so as to be ready to embark early Thursday morning. If the story is true they ought to let Gen. Terry examine all the contrabands who come into our lines with pretty stories.

 

They have not helped us build the wharf nor clear up the land, none are allowed to stay on this island except Officers' servants and they are not allowed to go outside the rifle pits unless a white man is with them.

 

The mosquitos are not very thick yet, but there are a few visible on warm days. I suppose they will increase in numbers as the weather grows warmer, as long as there is any room to put them in, and the spaces between will be filled up with midges, such appeared to be the case last summer. I don't know as we shall stay here all summer. the story now is two months which will bring it into May / and near the last part too which would be as long as I should want to stay on any of these islands that I have been on, except Hilton Head.

 

I should like very much to hear from Charles Goodwin, perhaps he has written, for our mails are a long time getting here lately. I supposed he would know all about what I wrote him about, if he has to look the subject all over that will probably make quite a difference.

 

I am sorry that Aunt Harriet is so badly off. I got a letter from Martha Patterson, dated the 3^d of March, she said nothing about it. I should think Uncle would have his hands full, but he never was contented unless he had.

 

I don't think there is much danger of an attack, but if we should be attacked, rifle pits would be very convenient to have, as a man is a great deal safer, than when in an open field. I believe I wrote you that we were called out one morning and marched out to them. They are about 200 yards from our camp which is on a point of land opposite "Fort Mitchell" on Hilton Head.

 

Give my respects to all enquiring friends. All the Exeter boys are well except Simon Lamprey who has been unwell for about a week with a bilious attack and Jere Weeks who has had a relapse and is not expected to live.

 

John W. Clement

Direct as before

 

To Mr John Clement                                                 

Exeter, N.H.

 

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Send a few more stamps, I am not quite out yet.

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