Morris Island, S.C. Dec. 5. 1863.

 

Your letter of the 24^th of November together with "Ballot", "Traveller" and "Weekly" of the week before came to hand yesterday. I was very glad to get them, as I was to get my box last Tuesday (the 1^st inst). Although it had been thirty days in coming the things were all in good condition and very acceptable just at this time, the stockings particularly, they come above the tops of my boots. The only fault I could find with anything was with the butter, and all I could say against that was that there was not enough of it. the cans were not more than two-thirds full when they got here. I suppose it must have settled down as the box had not been opened. By the way, all boxes for soldiers ought to be nailed and hooped as strong as that was, so that the hands on board the steamers couldn't open them as they sometimes do / boxes that are not very well put together.

 

I have not seen any papers later than Nov. 21^st, but last Tuesday noon there was a salute fired from the batteries and gunboats, said to be for a great victory in the South-west, but we have had no papers to give any particulars. This forenoon we had a Grand Review by Gen. Gillmore. The General is looking finely. What is going to be done next I do not know, perhaps nothing, as nothing followed the Grand Review on the 24^th of September.

 

I believe I have written what we had to eat Thanksgiving day; as you say I hope I shall be at home next Thanksgiving and have some slight hopes of passing the next Fourth of July in New Hampshire if not in Exeter.

 

I am sorry Josiah Taylor gets along no better, hope he will get better soon, but if he was in this Department he would get no furlough or discharge either unless he was nearly dead, or in danger of dying. /

 

I never thought John Tanner would stay in the service a great while, and believe I told you so. I am sorry his health is so poor; tell him to keep good courage, "there's a good time coming". Tell Josiah to stop that shaking. My health is pretty good though I have a touch of the palpitation occasionally and I don't stand guard duty as well as I used to.

 

I forgot to say that Ward Leavitt's box came at the same time that mine did, everything was in good order, much obliged to George Eaton for the box of cakes and apples also to Charles Grant for the papers, though they were rather old when they got here. May they and their families live long and be happy. Glad to hear that Mrs Eaton is better. I saw Eph Brigham yesterday afternoon for a few minutes. he was well and came down to see if Azel had got along as he was expecting him here in the "Fulton". I dont know whether he came or not. 

 

I should like to hear again from M.J.P. I have received nothing from her since Nov. 18^th. I got a letter dated Nov. 12^th

 

I should also like to hear from Martha Hall; when you see her ask her if she has written to me since the 25^th of October, as that is the last I heard from her. I got her letter Nov 6^th and answered it on the 8^th.

 

Since writing the above I have learned that I have been detailed to write in the Adjutant's Office, so I shall not have to do any guard duty for the present. How long it will last I do not know, probably a few months at any rate. I think you wrote some time since that we had 6 Cousins in the Army, one of whom had been discharged sick and another wounded. I suppose you do not know what Regiment Cousin William belonged to? I recollect his name but suppose he was very small at the time we went into the country which I suppose was the only time I ever saw him. Such things I suppose are unavoidable, as they happen in every war. Respects to Aunt Harriet and Cousins and all enquiring for

John W Clement

 

Mr John Clement Exeter NH                                                              

 

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Direct as usual

Enclosed I send you an order for my dividends

Tell them all to write

Use the money as usual

It is said that Ed Hall has gone home on a furlough, but I dont know how that is

                                                                                                                       

J.W.C.

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