Franklin County: Jacob Christy to Mary Jane Demus, May 13, 1864
Summary:
Christy talks about the Confederate torpedos that blew up a Union ship recently. He also
expresses frustration at not having been paid and says he and other soldiers in the 54th MA
will continue to fight for the same rights that white people have.
Mary Jane Demus
May the 13th 1864
Morris Island
South Carolina
Dear Sister
I take my pen in hand to inform to you that I am Well and I hope these few lines may find you the same We are all well at present And are getting along very well I received your letter and was very glad to hear from you All once more We have now Come back to Morris Island Again the gun boats are still fighting with the rebels they capture one of the rebels boats While we we was at Florida The rebels blowed up two of our boats with torpedos And since we come back to Morris Island We was one picket one night And the rebels was throwing Shell and [unclear: thay] was a piece of shell struck standley Johnson A kill him
our men are at Richmond fighting away they won't pay more they won't let us home And so the men all says that they will wait until the last of this month and if they don't pay us we will get Troublesome on their hand if we can't get our rights we will die trying for them We have been fighting as brave as ever [unclear: thay] was any soldiers fought I know if every regiment that are out and have been out would have done as well as we have the war would be over I do really think that it's God will that this war Shall not end till the Colored people get their rights it goes very hard for the White people to think of it But by gods will and power they will have their rights us that are living know may not live to see it I shall die a trying for our rights so that other that are born hereafter may live and enjoy a happy life
We all keep our health very well David is well he is cooking now Samuel and Joseph and George Demas are all well and they all send their love to you and father and Elizeberth
I wish when you write that you would let me know whether the letters that I send without postage stamps cost anything to get them out of office or not now I will bring my letter to a close
write soon Direct to Company J 54 Mass vols Morris Island South Carolina by way of Hilton Head
Jacob E. Christy
Here is a present I send to Elizabeth a likeness but it dint mind. Mary J. Demas
