St. Augustine April 14, 1863

Dear Wife

I have just got off guard duty this morning a Steamer now in sight which proves to be the "Convoy" with the portion of the 7th that went to take Charleston ten thousand men marched up a hill, & then marched down again. probably you know more of the circumstances than we do. & I will not say much about it here now. the Convoy brings a very small mail none for me. the regular mail is on the Neptune which is expected this Eve, when I shall expect letters from home. I am not discouraged but I feel just like going to a "hanging" of those who are to blame for the last "fizzle." We feel that the blame lies with Hunter, but are not fully persuaded what the trouble is; the curses are loud and deep on him, it is believed that the best opportunity is lost for taking Charleston, and by reports taken over the "lines" had been led to consider the place as good as taken. we red of the swearing by the "army in Flanders" but one can hear it in the "South Army Corps." I have felt bad all the time that I could not go but I feel better about it now, and perhaps should have felt worse if I had gone.

April 15th The mail came in this morning I am in recpt of yours of the 19-23-26-&30th of March I assure you that I am very glad to hear that you are getting better. I want to see you once more if possible but it is doubtful if I do unless I live my term of service out. as things look to me we have much heavy work to do yet.

I dont know what to say about Heath so let him [     ] it is said that we shall be paid the first of May for six months & by hook or crook you must get along by begging or borrowing.

I think Ada is pretty smart to make bread etc, I am very glad to hear that she is so good. Nannie is rather impatient at being obliged to go over to Mrs. Huses, when she is gone, but she must be kind, for perhaps she will be very glad sometime to have Louisa May with her when she is alone. I am very glad to have letters from all of them.

I dont know what to think of the Charleston affair; dont know enough to express an opinion; it looks as if it were only a cover or feint for some other opperation, so I will wait until I know more about it before blaming anyone. Give my respects to Lt Williams I would write him but the fact is there is nothing to write about in this out of the way corner of the earth. It is getting summer here the Corn is from 9 in to 3 ft high according to the time of planting Peaches large as pigeon eggs and other things equal; Cabbages Turnips Beets etc are right in their prime. I am almost convinced to come here & live for eatibles grow the year round Tomatoes with a little care in the winter can be grown& ripen at all times. A man with a Shanty and tools worth $50 is as well off here as with $1000 worth at the north ie in obtaining the necessaries of life with a gun and fishing tackle a man might live high here a year with just labor enough for exercise the only drawbacks are fleas and midges and their friends the mosquitos, to bugle for them, tomorrow we are to be mustered to see how many conscripts we need I hope we shall be filled up for it is much more pleasant to have a full Co. one feels better courage with 80 men for duty than with 28 which is all we have got in it. This paper writes just as if there was grease on it you will have hard work to read it Mr. Riddell arrived this morning I presume he will have just such a time with his wife as I should like to have with my wife what do you think of it "Wah" Yours in good wishes

C Shedd