Office Prov. Marshal, Hilton Head, S.C.
Dear Mally: …
I am still on duty here as Provost Marshal far from the glories and dangers of the siege of Charleston. Our regt was not [illeg. word] to go, there were so many vacancies in it. Only one field officer for duty, the Col. being under arrest. It was a great disappointment for us not to be allowed to participate in the only important service that has been or will be in the history of this Department. …
I have three companies here numbering about 270 men, and about the same number of prisoners of all sorts.
It is quite healthy here considering the latitude and everything, and if the yellow fever does not visit us we shall not lose many men. Company “I” has lost but one man by disease since last fall, nearly a year ago. I take some pride in stating this as I believe it is in part owing to the rigid enforcement of cleanly habits, attention to their kitchens, &c., &c. …
William McArthur to his brother, Malcolm McArthur [McArthur Family Papers]