I received your last letter in due time and I take this opportunity to answer it. For the last week the Charleston Courier has had very little news in it; I expected to see an account of the death of the Rowan men, you mentioned in your letter, in the Courier of last date, but to my surprise I saw not one item concerning it. I saw a statement that several North Carolinians were so severely wounded by shells, that they were not expected to survive, but whether this was in reference to the Rowan men, I am in perfect ignorance, as no names were given; however as it was on Sullivans island, that they were wounded, and as the eighth regiment has been stationed there (If I am not mistaken) for some time past, the reference may have been an allusion to them (Rowan men); I suppose I will learn more about the affair in the next Charleston paper You mentioned in your last that Father had remarked, that I paid the highest price for board and that if I would put myself to a little trouble I could procure it cheaper. Father was only true in part; I do pay the highest price for board (the same they charge at the hotel) but if I left Burnetts where could I go? to Miss Nancy's ? She is full to overflowing and charges seventy five dollars pr month for fare about which her boarders never pretend to bragg, nay more they all admit that it is nothing extra. To Miss Thompson's? She also is full, so that you see if I left Burnetts there would be no other place for me to go. Burnett has agreed to furnish board to his boarders for eighty dollars during the session whereas Miss Nancy speaks of going up to eighty next month with a perfect liberty, if she chooses, to go even beyond that the month after. I dont suppose there is any doubt now, that I will have to go to the war next winter; how would father like to have me go into the "signal corps;" the duties are easy and besides I would not be liable to go on long forced marches, which I dont believe I could stand. A young man here by the name of Kenan (son of the congressman) seems to think that I could get in at Wilmington; I suppose father is acquainted with some prominent men in that town who would endeavor to get me in. If father prefers my going in that "corps" to being private in the army, I hope he will endeavor to get me a place. Every body in it are gentlemen, I understand, which is the main reason why I desire to enter it. It will be attended with a little expense, it is true, but I flatter myself not half so much as going to college. I will have to furnish my own spy-glass (which will cost from one hundred to ($300)

Love to cousin Eliza, if she still remains with you