The following undated letter was written by Martin Van Buren Barkley (1838-1904) of Co. D, 18th South Carolina Infantry. He enlisted as a private at Charleston in May 1862. He was wounded sometime in the summer of 1864 and was absent without leave after mid-September 1864. Muster rolls show that he returned in November 1864 and was on detached or light duty at Anderson Court House.

Though the letter is undated, I believe it was written while garrisoning Fort Johnson on the northeast point of James Island in July 1862.

Martin’s parents were Josiah Minter Barkley (1797-1875) and Elizabeth Perry (1799-1880) of Williamston, Anderson county, South Carolina.

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

Father, I sent you a box home by Lieut. [John A.] Moore with some bed clothing on top of them. I want you to write if you got the box with all things right.

There is no Yankees on this island. We don’t have any picket duty to do and we have not had to drill any since we come to the fort. There is no prospect of a fight here. I will send you the copy of a Yankee letter that was picked up in the picket lines below Secessionville by Co. B, Capt. [John E.] Hames, 18th Regiment.

I never have been worse pestered about George E. H., [sister] Lucinda & Mother. I think if I live I will get to come home once more but it may be some time. I sent a paper of needles by Mrs. Slater to Mother.

I will close for the present. Write all the news. Aunt Polly, I would like to see you. Write soon. — M. V. Barley

I expect an answer right off.