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Franklin County: David Demus to Mary Jane Demus, December 24, 1863

Summary:
Demus provides his wife with details on the shooting of a deserter in camp.

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Mary Jane Demus

December the 24th 1863

morris island South Carolina

My Dear

i take this opportunity to set down to inform you that I am Well at present and I hope When these few lines reach you they may find you enjoying the greatest of pleasure i receive your letter on the 18th of December and i Would be happy to hear from you again i hope that you Will write soon and let me know how you are getting along and tell me all about the friends and and Were all taking up to see a man shot for trying to run away and he Was Caught and [unclear: fer] back to Camp and Was shot on Wednesday and there are two more to be shot in a few Days the rules are very strict here and [unclear: tha] [unclear: drod] us up to lines of battle and then they put him i a Wagon on to of his [unclear: Coping] and then they [unclear: hold] him up through the lines and then they took him out of the Wagon and made him kneel on the [unclear: Coping] and took off his Coat and [unclear: drad] his shirt up and put a Cloth over his head to and there Was six men to shot him and the order Was given to fire they all [unclear: ane] on his heart and they fired and down he fell on his [unclear: Coping] it Was a hard sight to look at i must bring my letter to a Close please to write soon Dear i think that i Will be home in a short time there is a boat Waiting for us now but it May be some time before We get away from [unclear: bosting] but you may look for us [unclear: som] after [illeg.] give my to aunt marrey and to uncle Sol harson and tell them that i Would like to get a letter from him before i Come home

Direct your letter Hilton Head Morris island
South Carolina
54th Massachusetts
Colored J
regiment
Company Kay

Mr. David A Demus to Mrs David Demus