Calvin Shedd letter to wife, S. Augusta Shedd, January 15, 1863

              St. Augustine Jan 15th, 1863 

Dear Wife 

It is cool with high wind, there was heavy showers last night; it seems cooler than it would it having been so warm for a week previous. we are watching the Rebels a little closer, & send out a Co every day to look after them. the reason of their being this side of the river I suppose to be to keep the Negroes from coming within our lines, as they know that we shall make soldiers of them; it is reported that they are hanging some of them to intimidate the rest "Alas! for the poor slave" they have to bear everything it is a great wonder to me that they do not rebel; they would if they were not the most quiet inoffensive race on earth, there is no mistake but they were intended for slaves providing any other race were wicked enough to enslave them, It is hard work to fill out a letter with nothing to write. My health is bad I am almost discouraged sometimes; I am on duty but hardly able to be about; One of our men has died of consumption, & three others discharged and gone home within a week; our Co is called Squad A. we are so few.

we go on picket tomorrow the whole Co; shall be out all day & night, two rebels came in today & report Savannah taken, don't believe it! we are very anxious to hear the particulars of