From Our Own Correspondent.
Hilton Head, S. C., Feb. 23d, 1862.
To-day we hear good news; a vessel has arrived with late papers, and we have learned something of the movement of our forces in different quarters. It is really cheering to us, and the cheers that go up from the different regiments here are almost deafening. At last the “ball is opened,” and our prayer is, that the tune may be lively, and the steps short and quick. I have not much that is new to write from here; our folks once in a while take a rebel gunboat, or a battery, and then enter up on some island heretofore occupied by “secesh,” and take possession with very little loss.
It is quite warm here to-day—thermometer 85 in the shade. Can you beat that? Every tree, shrub and vine begins to put on its livery of green; flowers are in blossom, and the spring birds are carroling their songs from every bough, Truly this is a lovely land, with its bright sunshine, balmy atmosphere and flowery landscapes; yet amid all, there has been a withering blight—slavery. I can see that it has left its impression everywhere and upon everything but with the bustle and activity of New England men, in building storehouses, wharves and fortifications, it is here being fast obliterated, and every day causes it to appear more like home to us.
An Irish Regt. arrived here from Mass. yesterday, and encamped upon the ground formerly occupied by the 4th N. H., V. It is said that this regiment will move over there somewhere this week. I think there is no doubt but that we shall stop upon this Island as long as we are wanted here at the south. It is no doubt the best thing for us, but some of the boys are very anxious to see more active service.
I have some further sad intelligence to convey to you and your readers. Our Standard Bearer, Sergeant Jonathan Dow, Co. D, has fallen not by the rebels’ hand, but by that quick and almost certainly fatal disease, “Malaria fever.” He died last Thursday, Feb. 20th. He was from Hampton, and leaves a young wife and babe, with other relatives, to mourn his death. All concur in saying that he was an excellent soldier and an estimable man. How our hearts pained us as we consigned him to the grave, when we thought of what must be the feelings of that wife and mother, when she hears the sad news; and her’s is not a solitary case. Oh! what will not the rebel leaders in this war have to answer for? Hearts broken, families ruined, and a nation in mourning. We have only twelve in the hospital now, and they are doing well.
Yours truly,
Harry.
The Daily Manchester American, Manchester, NH