Morris Island S.C. Sept. 5. 1863.

 

Yesterday afternoon we got a mail and my part of it was your letter of Aug. 23^d and "Traveller" of the 22^d and the "Zion's Herald" and "Harpers Weekly" the latter containing pictures of this place and vicinity most of which are very good; for all of which I was very thankful. I ought to have mentioned in my last that you could send some postage stamps but I forgot it, but no matter I can get enough to last me till you can send some.

 

To-day I got my box, and although it did not contain all I wished for, it was very welcome. The boots are as near as I could expect what I wanted, the shirts are satisfactory except as to length. tell Mr Carter that he must cut soldiers' shirts several inches longer in future if he has the cloth to do it with, as they shrink a good deal in washing. All the rest that you sent was satisfactory except the rice of which we draw more than we can eat generally. I did not think when you wrote / in one of your letters about using rice but what you knew that we generally had enough rice and to spare, but it is no matter as it dont cost much and the sugar makes it all right. I wish if you have not sent any of the other articles yet you would not as I think after we get settled I shall send for another box.

 

The note I sent by Berry was written in great haste and of course I could not think of every little item, the next letter I wrote I tried to think of everything, and as I thought the box would not come till Berry did and as there was no appearance of his coming for some time I was in hopes that it would reach you in time. Give my thanks to George Eaton and Charles Grant for papers, and to Newell Head for marking the box.

 

As to coming home at present it is out of the question I suppose, as Assistant-Surgeon Burnham hardly wants to put me off duty. I have been on the outer picket twice lately, and last night I was out nearly all night on a secret expedition. Every time I come in he can see / that I am not well enough to go on duty for a day or two. When Surgeon Buzzell attends the "Surgeon's Call" he always excuses me from duty. It would be of no use to say or write anything to the Colonel as the Doctors have all the say about it, and will do as they like.

 

I am sorry to hear of Aunt Mary's death and Aunt Elmira's sickness, and also that it is so sickly in Exeter. hope the sick folks will get better soon. I saw Eph. Brigham the first of the week but have not seen him since I got your letter he wanted to know how Brews was getting along. I am glad to have something cheering to tell him and hope Brews will get well. By the way I meant to have said that I have had a different opinion of our Cousins M. and H. from what you had for some time past.

 

I was much surprised to hear that I had so many relations in the Army, the two you mentioned are full as well off probably as the others. Mr Wyman is a man I never heard of that I recollect of. Who is he? 

 

I did not get Fogg's and Martha Halls letters till the 21^st of August and answered them immediately on the 22^d. I answered a letter from you about the same time in all three letters I gave answers to all enquiries concerning Horace's effects &c so it is useless to repeat them. I am waiting now for the certificate from Mrs Hall.

 

I should be glad to be at the Rail-Road Meeting next Wednesday but dont think I shall.

 

You must excuse this letter as I am tired and sleepy as well as a little unwell.

 

Give my respects to all who enquire for me either by word of mouth or letter. Have not heard from Dedham since July 29.

 

I sent Charles Grant a "New South" of last Saturday. Hope he will get it

                                   

Yours &c                   

J. W. Clement

 

To Mr John Clement

Exeter N.H.

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