Camp 55^th Regt Mass. Vols.

                                                                                    Orangeburg S.C. July 1—1865

 

Dear Mother & Josie

                                    Your letters of June 8 & 12^th were received a few days since and right welcome they were: it had been so long since I had received any letters from home that I began to think that long talked of ship had arrived and that all the family had started on a trip around the world and was disposed to be a little provoked because you did not wait till your humble servant could become of one of the party

 

You can have no conception of what a terrible fate you have fortunately escaped as I certainly should have “come down” on all hands concerned with a terrible vengeance you well know how savage I can be

 

There is nothing of interest to write: I see no one outside of camp and as no one comes to see us you will perceive that my opprtunities of obtaining news are quite limited /

 

I have been thinking over the past four years within the past two days and it is almost impossible for me to realize that so much has been accomplished as a nation we have done more in four short years than any other ever did in twenty but at what a fearful cost; yet I do not believe there are many (if any) who would, even were it in their power, call back those who have given their lives for their country. certainly we would not call dear Edward back, and have not others the same feelings as ourselves? when I look back and see what others have done, I am ashamed of the little part it has been my fortune to perform, and there is only one satisfaction about it, which is this: I would willingly have done more had it been in my power. Four years ago this very minute I was where shot, shell and bullets were flying somewhat premiscously during those terrible seven days before Richmond

 

You have undoubtedly read the account of the dedcation erecting of the two monuments on the battle field of Bull Run; one of them was erected quite near the spot where I was shot, probably / put there because such an “illustrious person” as myself was there wounded

 

I can tell you nothing about it, but think we may return home during the winter. Perhaps not till next summer; if it remains till the latter time I shall leave it, would do so now but do not think it would be quite right for me to do so.

 

The weather is hot, hoter, hotest. double distilled. Yesterday and today the mercury has stood at 120: fancy this on Templeton hills:

 

Ellen has just arrived on her way to Columbia; she give me bad news from about Father: hope he is much better ere this, but cannot help feeling very fearful for the result. When you write to Lancaster, tell Mary to have patience her turn will come soon; after this week I shall have more time unless the Regt. leaves here, which event would not surprise me very much

 

                                    Affcty

                                                Cha^s F. Lee

 

Excuse blots; have not time to rewrite this

 

[margin] You should see the flies make me dance!!

            Rubber coat was received very nice

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