H.Q. 169. Regt. N.Y.S.Vols

Camp on Folly Island

Friday 19^th 186[ink blot]

 

Dear mother & sister

                                                your kind and welcome note of the first of the month was duly recd by me but I have not had the chance of answering it before for this reason that on the very night that I got the letter we recd orders to pack our knapsacks and prepare to march which we did about ten Oclock that night we went to an ajoining island called sea / brook to harass the enemy while an expedition went from Hilton Head down along the coast to prevent their reinforcing at the point where the expedition would land the island was a very hansome one some splendid plantations and beautifull houses all of which we burnt to the ground there we encountered the enemy and drove them capturing a batery and some prisoners from there we went to Johns Island and marched around there for four or five days with very little to eat and very cool nights to sleep on the ground but we weathered it out and are now again in camp which you may be sure we are very glad of it to get in to our good / warm quarters but enough of that for the present Dear sister I am well aware that no two children have a better or kinder mother than we have but your fears are groundless as far as my gambling is concerned for it is something that I never have done or never will do but the truth of it is that I could not stand the march last summer and live on the rations that others did because you know as well as I can tell you that I am not as tough as a great many and I was not in good health at any rate last summer and I borrowed a good deal of money from the boys which I am / thankfull to them for as I very well know that I could not live without it but now all my debts are paid and I shall try to send you some money each pay day after this I have sent you ten dollars this pay day which is all I could do but I will try and do better the next I got that letter that you put in the office for Mary Lyle and I have answered it you will probaly get both letters to gather Dear sister you need not send a paper every week you can get them and send two togather each two weeks as it will cause you / less trouble I am looking for emma picture every day and I hope it will soon come tell mother that if she thinks that I have forgotten her she is wrong for I hope to my god that I never shall do any thing of the kind for I cannot forget the days of my youth when she nursed and took care of me and I am very sory to hear you say that she does not enjoy as good health as usual but I think that I am to blame and I will try and do better in future I am very sorry that mary Roberts did not answer my letter but it cant be helped I supose this is the first I heard of / Jimmy Hains reinlisting give my love to all my friends and keep your own share for yourself & my mother write soon & please enclose a few postage stamps William Donegan begs the privilage of sending you his compliments write soon and remember me to be your ever loving Son & brother

                                                           

James Caton

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