Dear Annie

     We had quite a sharp fight yesterday morning and After our batteries and the Monitors had shelled the batteries on this island We landed in small boats and carried the works by assault. WE embarked the night before, by we I mean as many of our brigade as could be put into the boats. four companies only of our regiment were put in. The rebs shelled us vigorously And as there were eighty or one hundred boats it is a wonder that but few were hurt. Many were spattered with water by shells dropping near them.
We were to land last, the attack to be made in Column of regiments right in front, but as there was some delay in the 76th P^a, 9th Maine & 3rd NH and there was urgent need of promptness we received permission to push in ahead of them. Four Companies of the 7th Conn & the 6th Conn were the only troops ahead

of us. The rebel position was very strong and we were quite surprised at carrying it so easily. The 7th Conn were deployed as skirmishers; the 6th supported them we were on their left, the 76th & 9th came up soon after. WE advanced firing under a heavy fire from their riflemen in a long trench or rifle pit And behind the outer earth works. At first their fire was very heavy but as we advanced our fire gradually silenced theirs & we soon rushed into the earth works with a cheer. Our four Companies took about 270 men into Action and had thirty three Killed or wounded including Capt Lent [i.e., Capt. Louis H. Lent, Co. A, 48th New York Infantry] (our senior Captain) Killed — No other officer was hit though Lieut Col Greens sword scabbard was hit [i.e., Lt. Col. James M. Green, 48th New York Infantry]. In our Company nine men were hit out of 70. WE pushed up the beach rapidly after passing through the intrenchments but could Catch no rebs There were none left this side of Fort Wagoner. Presently Fort Sumter

opened on us. One round shot struck Just in front of our Column And bounded either over or through almost every company. WE Could see it plainly and jumped one side as it Came along. They were not so nimble in the 3d NH. Three men there were hurt though the ball was nearly spent. The Conn boys who were still ahead reported Fort Wagner too strong to be taken offhand so we fell back and as we had had no sleep for two nights were glad enough to get a little rest.
We found some provisions in the rebel tents and some shade from the intense heat of the Sun. Sumter occasionally sent a shot or shell at us, Some of them coming very close, but by dodging behind a sand hill whenever we heard the whistle of a shell we escaped without loss. WE expected that they would Annoy us last night but they did not This morning at dawn an attack was made on fort

Wagoner unsuccessfully Our regiment was not engaged.
If my life is spared You shall have a fuller account of things soon. I think fort Wagner & Cummings Point now be besieged, the assault having failed. WE have no baggage with us and dont Know whether or no our stay here will be permanent.

Always most affectionately Yours
Robert S Edwards

I use secesh Paper & envelope Captured here I am very well