2nd South Carolina Artillery - Officer Duel on the Beach

Item CON-11093

Description

Original Civil War Confederate soldier's letter. 4 pages, written in period ink.


Fort Lamar
[James Island, SC]
 
April 25, 1863
 
Dear Father and Mother,
 
I sit myself this evening for the purpose to answer your recent letter.
 
I was glad to hear from you, it found me well.  I hope when it comes to hand it will find you all well.  I haven’t got much to write.  Mother I will tell you yesterday Lieutenant Bellinger and Lieutenant Rice they fell out.  Rice took a musket belonging to his sergeant and they went to the beach and then fought.  And Rice shot Bellinger through the back and [he] died last night about ten o’clock.  Captain Culbreth is gone to carry him home.  I can finish my letter this evening so I will quit.
 
Mother I want to know what is the reason why Pap won’t write more to me.  I think he must be mad at me.  I want to know.  Want to know what is the reason you won’t write every week.  Mother, I want you to make me some ink and send it the first chance.  I can’t get non about here.  A big price for it.  I want you to send me a pair of pants and I want Pap to get Coleman to make me a pair of shoes.  Have them made good.  The shoes made here they won’t last.  I sent my knapsack in a box by Rich Reams.  The box was sent to Gilford Burkmet.  I sent him two shirts, one pair of shoes.  
 
Mother, I haven’t got much to write.  I am well this morning.  There are some sick.  Some bad.   I want to get Pap to try to get me a horse by the time war breaks.  So, I will have a horse to ride to see the girls.  When you write tell me how Bud Adams is, got well or not.  I would like to hear from him.  Write all the news Mother.  My best to all the boys.
 
So goodbye, 
 
To Mary Stevens
 
W. B. Stevens
 
Well, Sis I will write a few lines to you.  Wish I could see you.  I don’t want you to marry before I get home.  The girls must wait till we get home so we can eat some pone cake.  Sis I leave to go to town and have my likeness taken.  Will send it home.  Sis, I am well as ever and I must bring my letter to a close by saying goodbye.
 
 To Mary Stevens.
 
W. B. Stevens