4th South Carolina Infantry - NEW

Item CON-11766

Description

Original Confederate Civil War Letter. 2 pages written in period ink.


Camp Centreville, Virginia
December 17, 1861
 
Dear Sarah.
 
I again am blessed with the opportunity of writing you a few lines. We are at the same place we were when I wrote last, and I expect we will remain here through the winter, as we have just commenced to build winter quarters. I received yours of the 30th of November last. Merida received a letter of the seventh; the latest date we have from home. You have not heard from me up to that time. I wrote from Richmond and then wrote as soon as I got to camp. I sent $360 by Mr. Guym and wrote a letter and sent by him to mail somewhere. I would like to hear from it whether it got through or not. I am not uneasy about it at all, but would like to hear from it. I want you to pay Bramblett $7 for my boots. You can get Miles or some of your people to pay him. I told him I would have him paid by Christmas.
 
We have not heard from Matthew Hendricks since he went to hospital. Dr. Field has returned from hospital. There is a good deal of sickness in our company, but no bad cases except Matthew. I cannot tell whether he is bad or not, he left here very sick. My health is not very good yet, though I am able for duty, but I fear my health is not going to be good anymore soon, but still hope it will. I am troubled very much with cold and cough.
 
Our fare is about as usual: plenty of beef and flour, rice and sugar, and some coffee. I bought some pork yesterday at 12 and a half cents per pound. I have bought some at 10 cents since I've been here. We get no vegetables hardly at all. I do want potatoes very bad and cabbage, but cannot get them.
 
Well, I wrote to Mr. Mansell about the revolunteering. The question has not been submitted to our regiment yet. I am still undecided about it, as my health is not good, but believe it is every man's duty, that is in good health and suitably situated, to remain in service, to revolunteer and go home and rest 60 days, and then return to his post and remain there till the question is decided and peace made. Though I will persuade no counsel, no one but to act for himself.
 
I can only say to you to do the best you can for yourself and others about you. Take care of what little there is and have the business carried on as best you can. Tell Frank to do as best he knows. I hope I will be there again to direct him to his satisfaction, as will mine and yours.
 
Give my best respects to all inquiring friends, father, mother, and Elizabeth. I would write something more to you if I have time this morning, but I have not time. All of you write to me. I will pay the postage, or Sarah will give you stamps to pay.
 
Yours truly and affectionately,
J.W. Singleton