Submitted by Lane Cheney
[Letter written from Stephen Wilcox to his brother-in-law Walter Clark]
Folly Island SC, October 26, 1863
2nd Brigade Gordon's Division
Dear Brother Walt,
I haven't heard from home yet but are expecting to hear soon. I am as well
as usual. We buried Srgt. Ed Smith today he had been sick for a long time
with the shits and a kind of a fever. Our regt. Is about as healthy, in fact
healthier that any in the brigade. We have lost but two and the other regt.
are burying men every day. They have been shelling a place called
Seceshville today.
I think there will be a skirmish there by tomorrow morning. I am now a
private, but the Capt. says he will put me back in my old place again as
soon as there is a chance and give me the same chance for promotion that I
had before. Do not say anything about it. I think it will come out all right
yet. Bob sends his kind regard to you and all the folks. He is well and
pretty busy. He is [fort] master & [mounted] orderly. Walt give my kind
regard to John & Billy and all enquiring friends.
With much love, I remain ever yours.
Bro Steve
Good Night Walt
Steve
[Same piece of paper, seemingly different note]
Walt, our regt. numbers about 200 men. There is but 6 companies. They talk
of putting the men back into ten companies Oct. 29. They are popping away at
Seceshville. If they can drive them out we will be nearer to Charleston. I
hope that we whip them out soon. It is warm and pleasant. I will bid you
good morning and go and mail this letter.
Write soon and believe me ever yours,
Steve