Ship "J. Morton" Port Royal

S.C. Feby. 3^d 1863

 

My dear Mother:

                        Here we are in sight of South Carolina safe and well. Owing to bad weather we were obliged to remain in Beaufort some days but at last got away and after a pleasant sail of two and a half days reached this port yester-day. I was not sea-sick, we had fine weather and got along quite well. It has been two weeks since we came aboard and of course all are anxious to get ashore. Whether we are to land here or go to some other port we know not but probably Charleston or Savannah is the place we are after. We are expecting a hard fight. both places are well fortified but I think Gen. / Foster knows his business and will succeed. Yester-day I received yours and fathers letters and was much pleased to hear from home and to know that you thinking of me so often and doing all in your power for my comfort and happiness. You are certainly very thoughtful in making arrangements to have Uncle Nathan visit me in case I should be sick or should get hurt in battle. I hope that neither misfortune will befall me but we cannot tell what may happen. It makes my lot much easier to know that my many friends at home take so much interest in my welfare. Uncle Nathan is thoughtful and kind and should any accident befall me it would be a great comfort to have him with me. Please remember me to him and Ellen, tell them that though my lot is not an easy one, my health and courage is good and that some day I hope / to return to them all. Is Isaac in the store with Bowman? How is Persis and Mr. Bowman. I do not very often find their names in my letters. Tell Mr. Bowman that I should be pleased to hear from him had I time I would write to him but he must know that my facilities for writing are poor. I remember the many friends and am always glad to hear from any and all of them. While at Beaufort I received a kind letter from Hattie Thompson, tell her that I was much pleased at receiving hers and shall answer it as soon as I get to a place where I can handle the pen.

 

            With your letter came one from my friends in Boston stating that they had forward a box of "the good things" to me, it is now in Newbern and will soon reach me. I was pleased to receive the good news. / the things will taste good and I am glad to know that they have not forgotten me. Mary Bearce has not yet sent her package, I presume she would gladly do it if she only thought of it. I expect that your box is now on the road. Should it be some days before I receive it I do not think the things will spoil. I have known boxes to be six weeks on the road and the things did not even mould, if the box is tight they will keep a long time.

 

            Roscoe is still well and contented I learn by your letter. I think I could enjoy myself in his log cabin and I think as long as flour and meat held out I could live.

 

This is not the place to write long letters but knowing that you are anxious to hear from me I send this hoping you will be able to read it. Since leaving Newbern I have rec'd a letter from Abbie and it was just as interesting as ever. She and Howard I shall remember soon. Geo. must write me a good long letter. Has Abbie rec'd her album? I hope it will please her. I told Fred to buy just such a one as he would for himself.

 

With love to all I remain

                                                                       

Your son Charles

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