1861 May 22 Fort Palmetto

 Fort Palmetto
                                                         May 22, 1861
My Dear Wife
                             Your welcome letter came to
hand last evening and as you remarked
I had also hoped that the letter then written
would almost be the last that would be
sent until I would return home, yet
I believe the authorities do not themselves
know what is to be done.  There is no doubt
that Col. Rion did receive an order for
our relief, since that time he has received
an order countermanding the first.  I
have deferred my visit hoping that the
order would be carried out, yet I almost
despair.  If there is no prospect the latter
part of next week I expect Tom and I
will be home together.  My two weeks have
been necessarily extended.  First Macfie
was gone almost two weeks.  As soon as
he returned we were in high glee about
going home, the order having been issued.
Many rumors began, and in the meantime
Lieut. Trapp visited home and is now
absent.  I shall not however depend upon
uncertainities, but hope to see you the latter

part of next week.  I will however write to you
more particularly.
                             The calico shirt you need not
make as there is hardly a doubt but that we
will be relieved in the course of a month,
and if the war continues, we will be compelled
to go to Virginia.  I have long ago concluded
to be reconciled to my fate.  I would prefer
going [to] Virginia to remaining here, as I am afraid
from the appearance of things, that our Post will
be quite sickly, a number of the boys, having been
sent home with Typhoid fever.
                                                 The Steamer Niagara
has left our coast, and gone for more im-
portant service elsewhere.  Some Steamer name
not known is to supply her place.  I will
try and get some Palmetto in the natural
state about the time I purpose visiting
home.  I will also bring with me some Palmetto
cabbage, one of the nicest dishes to be had.
There is one thing I did not say.  I would
prefer remaining until two months expire that
I may bring some money home with me,
as at that time we draw our pay.
                                                 By the way
our Captain has gone to the city, to make
some arrangements, as he expects his wife
down Saturday.  As you frequently write me

saying that you [have] much to tell me you cannot write
I must say the same, there being numberless
incidents I would not commit to paper.
Tom McCants [?] and I get terribly blue some-
times owing to the negligence of our Captain.
It is truly the case that our Captain has
not drilled the Company in Infantry drill but
three times since we have been here.
                                                 This places
the other officers in a very unpleasant position
inasmuch as the men fail to be as attentive
and consequently will not be so proficient.
As it is quite late I must close
        Give much love to all
               I am Your affectionate
                         Husband
                                J M Phinney
P.S.
        Have you received the family
        Letter,
                      Write Soon
[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12661