3rd Rhode Island Heavy Artillery

Item LTR-10618

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 2 pages, written in period ink.


Hilton Head, South Carolina

October 20th 1863

Dear Colonel,

Your note of the 13th inst. received. Sam leaves, I think, tonight with the articles you desired. The Chaplain, I believe, contemplates going with him. Colonel (ex. lieutenant colonel) Frieze goes north in the “Karnak” tomorrow. Major Day has forwarded his resignation, “certain reasons rendering him in his opinion incompetent to longer remain a Major of the Regiment.” There has been some tall blowing I tell you, dead wind (as the fellow said) however. Someone has stuffed Captain Churchill that he has been or is to be ordered before the board. He feels rather ticklish and talks pretty loud about resigning. We laugh at him and I guess it will all blow over. Everything is quiet at the post. Skulk Creek is still free to navigation and Beaufort to hear from as the politicians say of “New Shoreham.” A rumor is in circulation that General Vodges is to take command of the post here. Is it true? The Lord deliver us. The Provost Guard has or is to be relieved by a detail from the command colonel. Jackson stirred them up some when he was down here. The whole thing had become rotten to the core. Lieutenant Henry Metcalf has been down with the chills and fever. But is up again but quite weak. What shall I do with those receipts you sent? (Major Bannister’s). Lieutenant Massie returns home disgusted to open a peanut stand in Newbern, North Carolina.

Trusting soon to see you among us.

I am, Colonel,

Yours, etc.,

George O. Gorton
1st Lieutenant
3rd Rhode Island Artillery
Post Adjutant