1861 May 12 Columbia [S. C.]

Dear Creek
Your welcome letter of the 16th inst. came to hand
in due time. I am happy to learn that you are all in
the enjoyment of good health you say you was disapointed
when Dugan came home without a letter from me his
coming was all that kept me from writing as I thought
he could give you all the news, as to my getting home
is a very doubtful case, and much as I desire to come
yet I have a duty to perform which could not well be
divided at present without neglecting the interests and
welfare of my company. we are drilling the men very
hard at present, and until they are more perfect in the
exercises I do not think it my duty to leave them.
But you may depend that I will be home to see you
as soon as an opportunity offers, another reason is
that we are daily expecting the order to march to
march to Aiken and it would not suit well for me
to be absent at that time.

You need not give yourself any trouble about the
danger of Alawine hurting any of us we have a very
summery way of disposing of such characters here
he was tried by a Court Martial yesterday but the
sentence of the Court has not been disclosed.
James Whitner was promoted to Major of the
Regiment yesterday the promotion gives great satisfaction

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to the men of the Regt. it is a very important matter
to have officers of the proper stamp for our leaders and
we all think there could not have been a better selection
made.

Their is nothing of interest transpiring in the city just
now the weather is very hot and every one disposed to
keep in doors as much as possible, the 4th Regt is
getting a fine name here for good behaviour which
is gratifying to all of us. rumour had it that small
pox had broke out in our camp a few days ago, but
it is all a mistake, nothing of the kind having occured.
I sent your pin by A. C. Wardlaw which I hope you
recieved all right, and I expect he has also given you all
the news.

I have had the Tri weekly Carolinian sent to Belton
adressed to me, for your use the first one will come
on Tuesday first the 14th inst I have subscribed for it six
months so you may have an opportunity of seeing
all the news.

I wish I had little Maggie to help me write some
you dont know how much good it did me to see
her little scrawls, tell her to come with you to the
camp at Aiken and stay with me a week or two Jink
can bring you in the Buggy. But I must close this
hurried scrall, give my love to all of our relations tell them
I will be among them as soon as possible. Kiss maggie for
me and teach her to pray for papa. I will write Jink in a
day or two. Your ever affectionate

William [Anderson]

MSS 10366