Our writer S. C. Roberts was a member of Company A of Manigault’s Battalion of Light Artillery.  The letter is dated “Charleston, S.C. August 11th, 1862.”  Roberts is writing his sister and provides us with some both humorous and interesting content. 

“One of our Iron Clad Gunboats is to be launched today.  It is a funny shaped thing.  I hope they
will finish it very soon.  They have commenced to lay the Iron on it and it is thought that it will be
ready for action in 2 or 3 weeks at the farthest.  Some people think that the Yankees will attack
Charleston soon.  If they only wait until both of our gunboats are completely finished,
& think we can hold out against them.”

“...I had got some bed bugs on me.  They worried me a great deal after I arrived here.  I rubbed some of
them with a sweet oil, and it killed the bugs, but left a bile on everyplace that I put the sweet oil.  I bought
a small bottle of Hartshorn, and since I tried that, all have got well, except the one on my foot which is
 getting better.  The bile has gone off and left a hole in the flesh, on which I have to keep a wet
cloth all day.  I think it will be well in 4 or 5 days as the flesh is healing up rapidly.”

“… She says when she opened your chest some time ago that she found it
 full of rats.  They had gnawed a hole in it, and had made nests in it.  That
a few pieces of your clothes had been ruined and she took them out.”

The letter comes with its original envelope that has two .5 cent Jeff Davis stamps on it.  The letter is in fine condition written in nice dark ink.  The cover is in only fair condition but is great for display with the letter.  One of the gunboats that Roberts is talking about is probably the famous “Lady’s Gunboat” - See our listing of the Lady’s Gunboat broadside.

#HC114 - Price $350