Letter from James to Parents, August 10, 1862#

Ft. McHenry

Baltimore

Aug 10 /62

Dear Parents,

We were paid off yesterday for one month. Willie and I sent home $25.00 by Quartermaster Scholes and a letter directed to you with full particulars.

Pa will take the letter which I sent with the money which will probably be delivered at the house Monday or Tuesday and take it down to the Savings Bank at the corner of South 7 St and 4th St. Present it at the counter and draw the money. The Quartermaster is responsible for the money so I think there will be no difficulty about it. I suppose the money will come quite handy as soon as we reach home and are mustered out of service. We will be paid off for the last 2 months. Willie and I will have quite a nice little pile of money coming to us. I suppose I will get about $40.00 and Willie $30.00 for our last 2 months pay, although it is all guess work as to how much pay we are to get. There are so many deductions to be made from the pay, then the mileage to be added to it, and it is only when the money is in your hand that you are sure of it. The boys are all in high spirits on account of getting their pay and the near approach of the time when we will be on our way home. Only about 3 weeks longer and we will be on our way home. There are rumors that we will be drafted when we reach home or the regiment be ordered off again, but it seems as far as I can learn that we are free from drafting for the present – at any rate, so far as the 3 months regiments now in the field are concerned.

Willie had his picture taken yesterday in Baltimore which you will find enclosed. He is in full uniform, as you may see. I may get mine taken; it costs 37cts. I acted as Color Sergeant the other evening at Drill Parade. It is the position, as it takes one whole Company of soldiers to escort the Colors to the battalion from the Colonel’s quarters.

Your papers came very acceptably. I can assure you Johny’s letters are very interesting; tell him to write often. General Wool is showing great energy in the Department. Every vessel is stopped and every body must give an account of himself. All the railroad cars are stopped and everyone suspected of leaving the country with any amount of money is stopped and turned back. The Fort is crowded with prisoners we must Guard with our pieces, loaded and all ready to shoot down everyone trying to escape. They would be sure to be shot as we have a double Guard on and every one wide awake.

Yours Respectfully,

Jas D Wade

Willie is on Guard so he can not write today. He is all well.