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