Vermont Phœnix

A Letter from a Rebel at Home to a Rebel in Camp.

The following is an extract from a letter of a South Carolinian at home to a rebel relative in one of the Virginia encampments, which was picked up in one of the rebel camps on the Leesburgh Turnpike, during a recent reconnoissance by our troops, and forwarded to the Freeman, by A. Lord, one of the Montpelier boys in the army. The writer after speaking of family matters at home, and the clothing he proposes to send the person addressed, proceeds under the heading "Florence S. C., Sept. 16th 1861," as follows:-

Dear Tom:—From what we can gather from the papers, you will have active times pretty soon, as the forces are near each other. There seems to be but little hope of peace soon. At any rate, there will have to be some hard fighting before they are convinced fully. The weather is very hot and dry at this time, and plenty of sickness here in South Carolina. Cotton is opening very fast—it is nearly all open. Tell uncle Richard I am very grateful to him for his kind treatment to you in the camps, especially during your sickness. I will not forget it. I hope you may get well and hearty again, and be able to return home to your friends; but the deaths there are awful to think about. The corpses are carried by Florence continually, and many are buried there. There were nearly two hundred Yankees brought to Florence last week, on their way to Charleston. I saw them; some of them were fine looking fellows.

I do not think of anything more at present worth communicating;
I remain yours affectionately,
IRA MORRIS.