1864feb14

1864 Feb 14

Fort McAllister

February 14, 1864

My dear companion,

I seat myself to drop you a line which will inform you that I am well and exceedingly hearty from the way the contents of my box gave way before me when I made a charge on it.

I captured and imprisoned four biscuits, a quantity of butter, and syrup.  The prison house is very safe.  Nothing can get out of it until it be regularly discharged or exchanged.  The commander is very vigilant – keeps a careful guard out all the time.  But in the commencement of this charge, I met one gentleman clothed in black.  His name was whiskey.  The combat with him was very severe, but I finally subjugated him, and the black devil tried to get up an insurrection after he was once put in prison, but now he has no power in himself, and I have full control and will discharge him soon.

I hope these lines may reach and find you all well and doing well.  I have no news to write.

From the above you will see that I received my box in due time and am proud of it - but did not find the kiss!  I want you to write what it cost to send to Savannah.  It cost me one and a half dollars to get it to the fort from town.

My shirt is a nice and timely present.  I will not take any less than five dollars for it.

I found the small heart.  I reckon my baby sent it.  I received the towel marked “A.E.H. from Arie E.”  I was going to write her a nice little song about rock me to sleep baby, rock me to sleep.

I am on guard again today.

I have no war news of interest.  I understand that the Yanks are landing in Florida and the 1st Infantry Regiment has to go there.

In my last letter, I forgot to put S. A. & G. R. R. in the direction to back letters.  At least, I forgot something about it.  Your letters came now anyhow.

I will write Sammy a letter in a few days.  I am glad he has got a discharge.

I want to know what Tom Cook is doing, whether he is in state.

Farewell.

So, I will close.

Yours, etc.

W. H. Harden