This letter was written by John Edward (“Ed’) Sisson (1842-1893) of North Stonington, New London county, Connecticut. Ed served in Co. B, 6th Connecticut Infantry and also Co. M, 1st U. S. Artillery. John was the son of wool manufacturer, William Sweet Sisson of Westerly, Rhode Island. His mother was Maria A. Burdick who died in 1856.

Ed wrote the letter to Chester (“Chet”) A. Chapman who was then serving in Co. D, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery and garrisoned at Fort Richardson near Washington D. C.

TRANSCRIPTION

Hilton Head
December 9, 1861

Friend Chester,

I received your letter today and was very glad to hear from you. It did not come to Fort Monroe until I had left there. I left there 3 weeks ago tomorrow. I am not very well nor I have not been since I was in the hospital but I have to make the best of it. I am sorry to hear that you are unwell and hope that this will find you in better health. I have not heard from home in about 4 weeks but I expect a letter every day. We do not get the mail very regular here.

My letter was opened at the hospital before it came to me through mistake by a man of the same name but I have got it at last. You was speaking about true loves at home enjoying themselves. I am glad to hear that they do. If they do, we do not—that is damned sure. I swear by God that I never fared so hard in my life. We live on sand and pork and hard bread. Give my respects to Mathews and tell him to write to me. This is all at present so I will close and I remain ever your friends, — John E. Sisson

Answer and direct to John E. Sisson, Port Royal, South Carolina

6th Regiment Conn. Volunteers, Co. B
3rd Brigade, Sherman’s Division

In care of D. D. Tomkins
No. 6, State Street, N. B.