Letter from J.M. Wade to Willie, October 3, 1863#

Wms Burgh Oct 3rd /63

Dear Willie,

We received a letter from you yesterday bringing the sad news that your hope of coming home at the present time has been greatly diminished. I did think from all the information I had obtained that you would soon be home. Capt. Howe and the men that came on with him were ordered to either Jersey or Rikers Island and I understand they were to remain there until the Regt. came home; but the Capt. obtained a pass to come to the City, they say for 10 hours, but he did not go back. While I supposed he was still on the Island last evening, we heard they were all ordered back to New Orleans in company with some 600- conscripts which are supposed from your Regt. This took me by surprise as I thought they could not obtain the men and that the Regt. would come home. They say all that enlisted after the 24th of September will come home. I do not know the date of your enlistment but will try to find out and I will make fresh efforts in your behalf. But if you can get a commission in the Regt. with James, I think it would be best to do so. I mean, if you are detained, it affords me comfort know that you put your trust in God, feeling that believing Him in vain but that things will work together for your good – Keep us posted up,

Your Affect Father

J M Wade