The weather was hot, the winds light, and we made a long passage but at last reached Charleston Harbor, disembarked, and took post in Fort Moultrie.
Soon after two other companies arrived, Bragg's (B) and Keyes's (K).

The two former companies were already quartered inside of Fort Moultrie, and these latter were placed in gun-sheds, outside, which were altered into barracks.

We remained at Fort Moultrie nearly five years, until the Mexican War scattered us forever.

Our life there was of strict garrison duty, with plenty of leisure for hunting and social entertainments.

We soon formed many and most pleasant acquaintances in the city of Charleston; and it so happened that many of the families resided at Sullivan's Island in the summer season, where we could reciprocate the hospitalities extended to us in the winter.
During the summer of 1843, having been continuously on duty for three years, I applied for and received a leave of absence for three months, which I spent mostly in Ohio.