Steamer "Nat^l P. Banks"

near St Johns river Bar June 29^th 1864

 

Dear Wife

            Once more on the move and after the Regiment at that. I was very much disapointed when the last mail came at not recieving a letter from you and I have been very busy since the mail came so that I have not had a chance to write to you until tonight and that on board the steamer. My Reg^t started for Hilton Head yesterday morning at seven oclock and I went on board the boat and the Provost Marshall came on board for me to stay and give evidence in a court martial and so I waited for the next boat and that came in last night and I got ready and started this A.M. at eleven oclock on this boat and when we / got down to the bar the wind blowed so that they were afraid to go outside the bar as we have a very small boat only about one hundred and fifty feet long. We have got to lay here all night and we shall probably go over the bar in the morning when the tide rises and we shall probably get to Hilton Head tomorrow night. We left all of our tents standing at Jacksonville and expect to go back there in a week or fortnight. Genl Birney is aboard this boat. He is playing whist with three of the other officers aboard. I have no more news to write as I have told you all that is going on now. I will try and finish my letter after I get to Hilton Head and find out where my Regiment is so good night and pleasant dreams and with love and a kiss I remain as ever yours

Joseph H. Prime 

 

Hilton Head S.C. July 1^st 1864

 

Dear Wife

                                                I will try and finish my letter today as I have got up to the Head as you will see by the heading of this. There is to be an expedition start from here today or tomorrow but where it is going I do not know. I arrived here last night at nine o'clock and although the Regiment started the day before I did yet I got here first for they did not get here until this morning owing to a squall which made them put in to Fernandina and stay almost two days. I began to think that they were gone to the bottom but they came out all safe. I am going on board the boat in a few moments so you must excuse / me for not writing any more this time and with love and a kiss I remain as ever yours

Joseph H. Prime

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