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South Carolina C.S.A.
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of ever gaining our Independence
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South Carolina C.S.A. |
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and his constant help in saving Greenville's history. Sergeant James Hunt, Company C, Sixteenth South Carolina and his brother Private William Baylis Hunt were sent off to war proudly by their father, Martin Jr. Neither would ever see home again. Baylis is listed as dying of illness one year after this letter was sent in August of 1864 during the fighting around Atlanta, Ga. His responsible brother came over Winstead Hill at Franklin in November of 1864, less than four months later and by daybreak he had once again greeted "Brother Baylis". They need not fret for independence or the self-government they were willing to die for, they were each liberated to a higher state of spirit, having died in service of the State of South Carolina. What have you given to save and preserve the true history of the flag they served? Why would anyone want to take it down, this land belonged to them as well. The issue of water was a desperate one during the time the Sixteenth was in Mississippi. Men drank from the tracks of mules after the rain and were reduced in ranks for stealing a drop from the officer's bucket. This is a rare time of good water. Illness surrounded them and racked the body and soul and then after all this suffering came Atlanta. Shortly the Hunt's and all of Company C would loose everything in a fire which destroyed all baggage, and by winter they would be short of clothes and blankets... yet still they served, and that service is not forgotten... not yet. |
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Dear Father, I embrace the present opportunity of writing you a few lines to let you (know) that we are all well at present hoping when these few lines come to hand they may find you all well (and) doing well. I (know) nothing that would interest you to write we are still at the same place we was when I last wrote to you. we don't know where we will go when we leave here. I received your kind letter of the 3d August and was glad to hear from you and hear that all was well. All of Uncle Mat's Boys are (well) Wm Grice also. Baylis eyes has got well. We have got as many clothes as we can well carry and will draw clothing shortly I think. A great (many) are out of heart of ever gaining our independence but I hope for the better. Every thing is very high here butter is from one to two dollars per lb. flour 1 dollar a pound, pork one dollar per pound, peaches one dollar, a dozen apples the same. we have got plenty a money yet. Baylis has about 90 dollars. I have about seventy We have very warm wether at this time but weve plenty good water to drink give my respect to all so no more at present Write soon I remain your affectionate son James F. Hunt to Martin Hunt jr. On the back of same ledger page: Camp Near Morton, Miss. Scott County August 11, 1863 Dear Father and Mother it is with grate pleasure that I seat myself this evening to drop you a few lines to let you know that I am well at present. I have nothing that would interest you to write at presant I recieved you kind letter of the 2 and 3 and was glad to her that you wer all well. I supose James wrote all (the) news . ever thing is very high out her i thought i would write a little for satisfaction you wrote that you had not git a letter from me in some time my eyes have got well I can (see) very well now. dont worry I can verry well now. dont worry. plenty to eat and verry good we draw a little bacon and flour once a week. we drew two months wages a few days ago I must come to a close no more at present write soon I remain your affectionate son. William B. Hunt to Martin Hunt Jr. |
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