Letter from Ellison Capers to his wife Lottie, May 17, 1862

Letter from Ellison Capers to his wife Lottie, May 17, 1862

Capers writes that the enemy has anchored four vessels behind Folly Island and he had his men at the ready. Boats can only cross the bar at high tide so they waited until then and lowered six small boats into the channel. They moved close to the Stono River and Capers and his men fired on them, bringing down one man. The small boats returned to the vessels and did not return. Capers says that this information is not important to anyone but her. He does not know how long he will be stationed there but hopes to be relieved soon. He hopes to receive some letters soon and closes by saying that the enemy are planning an expedition upriver and if they succeed, it is goodbye to Charleston. He also says that he has quit using tobacco.

A1961.1, Box 2, Folder 44

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Ellison Capers Collection

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[Page 1]
Saturday, 15 min to 1 P. M.
Coles Isld., May 17th 1862

My precious Lottie

I have been kept so constantly anxious here that I have not had an opportunity to write you as often as I wished. The enemy made his appearance yesterday at 8 o’clock, and anchored four vessels behind Folly Island. I had my men all in readiness and awaited his demonstrations. The tide was full at 10 on yesterday morning and again at 10 last night, and it is only at the stages of high water that his vessels can cross this bar. Very soon small boats were lowered from the ships & in a little while six of them were moving about in the channel, sounding as they went.

[Page 2]
One of them came so near to us, in the mouth of Stono River, that I ordered the Riflemen to move under cover of the hills & [illegible] works & fire into it. It was well done, and by my orders the first Yankee fell. One man was brought down, whether killed or wounded I can’t say. My lookout, on the flag staff, with a good glass, and my officers all saw the man fall. The boat promptly turned back. Several marks were left by them in the channel, to guide them in coming in. But at high water the small boats went back to the vessels & no move was made by the latter to come in. I kept my station on the Fort & sent

[Page 3]
information to the works on The River & to the Genl. The danger passed off with the tide & we were at rest till high water last night, when I had all hands up & ready, but a single vessel remained & we said nothing more of them till this morning, when I went through with the scenes of yesterday, except the firing into the boat. All these matters are of no note to any one but you, darling, & I only mention them because I know they will interest you. In the same spirit I send the communications enclosed, meaning them for your eyes & your heart, & one of these days, maybe, for Frank. I can’t tell how long I will be kept here. Three days

[Page 4]
is the general rule for outpost duty, but this is my fourth. The Col. told me that I would soon be relieved by two companies of some other regiment. But we willing hands must always expect to be hard worked. I have not heard from you since the 12th but this move has thrown everything topsy turvy & I know that I have two or three letters somewhere. I will send Nat up to the camp with this and expect to get in return a letter from my angel, my own dear Lottie. I think the enemy are only surveying the channel prior to a large expedition up the River. If they succeed, good bye for Charleston. Take good care of my papers, & these I send & have on hand so that you can return them if I want them. Good bye, & God bless you. Ellison.

[Page 5 – written over page 4]
I have by God’s aid, completely conquered my longing for tobacco smoking & have not had a cigar or pipe in my mouth since I told you that I would smoke no more. And I am happy to tell you, my darling, that I am nearer to Jesus there for. You must ever pray for me. Ellie.