Cadet Stephen Hollingsworth writing from “Camp Simmons near Charleston Nov 17^th, 1864” writes an interesting letter and shows the role that the Citadel played in the closing days of Charleston’s survival.  The letter is written on blue-grey paper, 4 pages in ink with minor age staining.  With the letter is an adversity cover made from a printed form barring a Charleston, S.C. postmark on a greenish Jeff Davis 10 Cent stamp.  The stamp has large margins and is great for display!  Just less than one month after this letter was written, Hollingsworth would be slightly wounded in battle. 

•  “I arrived in Charleston last Monday evening in company with many homesick, yet merry fellow cadets.  We found everything in much confusion and as a matter of prudence (you know that we are not afraid of shells) we were moved into camp, which is about one mile from the city.  Studying in camp is quite a novelty, but nothing is surprising in these days of strange events.  I do not think we will stay here more than two or three weeks.  The Board of Visitors meet soon and I think, will find another place for us.”
  

• “The news from Georgia is not at all cheering.  I am inclined to doubt it a little however, but as I before said, nothing is surprising “now a days”.  It is reported that Sherman is within twenty five miles from Augusta with a heavy force.  If such be the case, it is bad for us.  The upper part of this state, I fear, will suffer much, but it is a sacrifice on what should be a very sacred alter.

• "We learned this morning that we would be moved to Orangeburg soon, or at least, this is the present plan.  Orangeburg is a very lively little place, and to those who wish to enter on a high life it affords all facilities.  If we go to Orangeburg we will move in a few days – Some of the boys are anxious that we should go, but most of them had rather stay in Charleston.  I prefer to stay here.  This is a dear old place and the people are, as kind as, any in the world.  I have many dear friends which it will be very unpleasant to leave.  In fact, Charleston is very much like home to me – more, so than any place, except home proper.” 

A great letter for the South Carolina or Citadel collector!

#HC94 - Price $295

           Transcription:
                                                                                                                                        Camp Simmons near
                                                                                                                                        Charleston Nov. 17^th 1864

My Cousin:       
             It is a reality that my furlough is no more.  Three months have passed away so
very quickly that it seems to be but three pleasant Saturdays.  In fact, I can scarcely
realize that I have had any holiday at all, and certainly it is not because I did not
have a pleasant time, for I surely did.  I fear, however, that it is been at the expense
of all my dear cousins and friends, as I persecuted them so much with my presence. 
Speak candidly, did you not get tired of me?  I came to this conclusion, and think I
had sufficient reasons for 20 doing – if I became so unbearable, my hope is that their
 kind hearts will forgive and forget my want of gentility.  So much I depend on their
 tender hearts and big souls. I arrived in Charleston last Monday evening in company
with many homesick, yet merry fellow cadets.  We found everything in much
confusion and as a matter of prudence (you know that we are not afraid of shells)
we were moved into camp, which is about one mile from the city.  Studying in camp
is quite a novelty, but nothing is surprising in these days of strange events.  I do not
think we will stay here more than two or three weeks.  The Board of Visitors meet
 soon and I think, will find another place for us.  The news from Georgia is not at
all cheering.  I am inclined to doubt it a little however, but as I before said, nothing
is surprising “now a days”.  It is reported that Sherman is within twenty five miles
from Augusta with a heavy force.  If such be the case, it is bad for us.  The upper part
of this state, I fear, will suffer much, but it is a sacrifice on what should be a very
sacred alter. 
                     
Nov. the 18^th

This is a very pleasant morning – The boys are all merry some singing others
playing on the violin – still others chatting in little groups or perhaps confidentially
to an old friend.  The events of three months are not to be related in a single day,
consequently the little adventures which in we have made are not yet common.        
We learned this morning that we would be moved to Orangeburg soon, or at
least, this is the present plan.  Orangeburg is a very lively little place, and to those
who wish to enter on a high life it affords all facilities.  If we go to Orangeburg we
will move in a few days – Some of the boys are anxious that we should go, but most
of them had rather stay in Charleston.  I prefer to stay here.  This is a dear old place
and the people are, as kind as, any in the world.  I have many dear friends which it
will be very unpleasant to leave.  In fact, Charleston is very much like home to me –
more, so than any place, except home proper. 

         I hope to hear from you soon.  Direct to the Citadel as before.

                                                                                                            As ever your Cousin, 
                                                                                                                                                Steve.