Camp near Newbern N.C.

                                                                                    Thursday Nov 15 1862

 

My Dear Martha

                        I wrote you on shipboard Saturday not knowing just when I should have a chance to send it. I have just learned that they mail goes out half past 12 today I hasten to add this note to inform you of our safe arrival in camp. We reached camp last night about 10 o’clock a tired but happy set. It was quite lively here for a while congratulating each other on our safe arrival. Every man of God is back safe and comparatively well, though a good many have sore feet. I am very well. Do not think our march has hurt me in the least. I am pleased to find how much I can go through.

 

You will find by consulting the map that we have been over quite a portion of N.C. I have seen much of which I shall be/ pleased to tell you when I get home which I cannot write. My hatred of Slavery has not been lessened by this expedition, I assure you. If it (the expedition) has not been fruitful in any other direction it has given freedom to a good number of slaves and that is worth something. While we were away the rebells drove in our pickets hopeing no doubt to accomplish something while so large a part of our forces were away but they didn’t dare make a direct attack. Now we are home again they will keep respectful distance. There are 2 forts one on our right and the other on our left which they would find rather hard customers.

 

You can hardly imagine how glad I was to find a letter here from you on my return last night. You wished me to write you when I received your letter I do not know when that one came as I was away. It was dated Nov 2. I was glad to have you write that you meant/ to write often. Letters here will be worth a great deal to me. I was sorry to learn that you was not quite well. Hope to hear that you are well next time. You seemed to write in good spirits. I was glad of that. I have enjoyed very good spirits ever since I came from Mass.

 

I think you had better send those pictures in your next as I am anxious to see them.

 

It is almost time for the mail to close so I must. I wish I could have a few minutes more Eddie I cant write to this time. Love and a kiss for him Give regards to all

 

I hear that the 42 and 45 are at Beaufort if so I may see the Medway boys before a great while. When you write to my folks always tell them when you have heard from me last as I do not always have time to write two letters for one mail. This is the 5^th letter I have written you since I started from Boston We are to rest for a few days before/ we have duty to do I will send in this an old will I found at Williamston I think it quite a curiosity.

 

I must now close

 

Very much love to you and Eddie with best regards to all

 

Enclosed Addison will find one paper sent to a store in Williamston by a slave which perhaps he would like it being a temperance paper if he will please accept. You will also find some edging which I got in Hamilton.

 

                                    Affectionately yours

                                                            Charles

 

Please excuse the hurried manner in which I have written. C

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