1861 May 25 Fort Palmetto

My Dear Wife

I am just in receipt of
your welcome favor of the 22nd inst. and as we have
had an exciting [time] I will answer your letter immediately.
The proposition to tender our services to the Con-
Federate States has been extended to our Reg-
iment, and the Regiment has responded to
the call; I therefore have not been left behind,
Lieut Macfie preferring a different branch of
the service has resigned, and my position is
now the 1st Lieut of the Company. Tom McCants
has been elected 3rd Lieut of the “Royce Guards”.
The company are somewhat dissatisfied, but
have concluded to go into the service of the
Confederate States rather than remain in the
sickly section of the low country. The probability
is that we will be encamped at Blackstock,
until we are needed for active service.
I have been very much prostrated in mind about
the matter, and particularly on account of the
loss of Jamie Macfie as I have formed a
very strong attachment for him.

A number of the boys who have volunteered for
the service will reach home to-morrow or Monday
and I very much think I will follow on Thursday
or Friday. You may depend upon this as [word lined out] my
time has come around.

I will get you shoes in Charles-
ton and any other articles you may wish. Do let
me know any thing, you may wish either for your
self or the children. I guess we can maintain our
little family as my pay is much higher than when
I left home. You speak of hearing so many reports
relative to our removal. Do not believe one half
you hear. Send word to mother that Wm. Creight
was down to see us to-day and is quite well
and has also volunteered for the Confederate service.
I would be pleased to see Cousin Anna rem-
oved from her unpleasant situation, feeling that
she desires to be better situated. Do write me where
Lillie is to be found.

I am so anxious to see you
all once more. I feel that an age has almost
transpired since we left home, and I feel in
your speaking of Anna, that she has grown
quite large. I am glad that she has quit the
sugar rag doings. If you can tell me what Nannie
needs, or what I shall get for her, I have
thought of many things for her, yet I am not
able to centre upon anything, write me what!

I must sell our “nigger” when on my visit home
if possible. If I had been home she would have
been sold long ago. Does she look “squally”
Do write me immediately on receipt of this
I will explain all matters when I come
up. Pay the pew rent and I will return the
amt.

I am Your True Husband
J. M. Phinney

I feel so stirred up that I can
hardly connect a sentence, you must
therefore excuse this unconnected letter

MSS 12661