Letter from James to Mother, October 19, 1863#

New Orleans — Oct. 19, 1863

Dear Mother,

I have finally come to a decision, my mind is made up; I have concluded to stay. I am tired of the suspense. From recent advises from the North, it seems that they have sent conscripts for the 176th Regiment, which may be expected here in a few days – at least that is the latest news. And as all the vessels about here of every description and of every size, are all being used to carry troops on some expedition, to Texas I believe, our Regiment, the 176th I mean, will not start for home for two or three weeks; yes, there being no transportation at hand and as I got sick and tired of waiting, I concluded to stay. So off I start this morning before breakfast being a little anxious to get through with the examination, to see the examining committee. They examined me, at length, in everything that pertained to military affairs that a line officer would be likely to have anything to do with company drill, some few battalion movements guard mount, Picket Guard, skirmish drill, bayonet exercise and so on. Not satisfied with that, they tried me on Arithmetic, got me to write an application for a leave of absence to see if I know how, and taken all together it was rather a severe test. They kept it up for three hours, and I am happy to say I passed the ordeal triumphant. The Committee were pleased to say that I passed an unusual good examination, which is saying a good deal. But I was sure of passing before I went, so I went with a good deal of confidence; I was thankful I had a good education. It was a great help to me; I was cool and composed all through, while some of the candidates were quite excited, especially when they came on the Arithmetic and writing part. My commission has made out and sent to General N.P. Banks for approval, so you can congratulate me on my success. I don’t know yet whether I am to be a Captain or Lieutenant, and don’t care much, as there is not much difference in the pay and 1st Lieutenant has not so much responsibility, as a Captain is made responsible for all the arms, clothing, accoutrements drawn by his company. The Colonel and Lieutenant Colonel were much pleased on my announcing to them that I

had concluded to stay, so I will stop thinking about home, and make myself comfortable here; which I can easily do, as I can get along anywhere provided I have good health, which I now have.

Our regiment is now full, the Colonel was mustered in yesterday; we are going to leave the City, going I know not where, but we won’t see any fighting yet a while as the men are all new recruits. It is said we are going to Texas. I would just as leave as go there as anywhere else; it is a very healthy climate and now we will garrison some place I suppose until the men get drilled. I have passed through the sickly season safely and as the fall and winter are considered the most healthy in this Latitude, I think I will get through safely. I am quite tough and strong and can stand anything that any other officers can, and as a Divine Providence has I believe watched over me and conducted me safely through two campaigns. I have perfect confidence in Him and believe He will guard me safely through one more. It certainly looks as though I were to stay in this Department some time yet. Will will be somewhat disappointed on my announcing to him of my intention of staying; the prospects of the three-year men certainly look a little gloomy, you can’t convince Will though, but what he is going home; he laughs at the idea of staying here in this Department. He said he has soldiered long enough, having made up my mind what to do; I feel quite comfortable now and contented. I read Father’s letter this morning which was very welcome; in my last letter written about last week ago I believe I said I was coming home, well you will think I have not much stability of character I suppose, receiving so many different kinds of letters, but as I always write as I feel you have the satisfaction of knowing exactly how I do feel. Anyhow, I have not heard from Durlyn for sometime, let him write and John also. I am always pleased to hear from Father, he should have been a Brigadier General, he writes like a solider, no surplus of words. He came to the point at once. And as for you, Mother, why I could not get along without your letters at all; you are the principal inducement to come home. I never knew I loved Mother so much until I came to this country. Now don’t go and worry about me, keep yourself comfortable and you will see the green backs coming that way after

awhile. Don’t be uneasy if I don’t write often, as we may be stationed away off somewhere until you hear further from me. Direct your letters to Lieutenant J.D. Wade, 16th Regiment Corps d’Afrique, New Orleans, or elsewhere. Enclosed is my parole, which you may as well have as it is of no use to me and may be a curiosity to you. It was given me at Brashear City when I was taken prisoner; we have all been exchanged since then. Remember me to all enquiring friends. I am a teacher in the Baptist Sunday School; I am a big gun. It is called Coliseum Baptist Church, they go to church in the morning and to the Theatre in the evening, that is most people do, but this Church seems to act for the square; they have a prayer meeting in the evening which seems kind of natural. Write soon,

Yours Affectionately,

Lieutenant J.D. Wade

16th Regiment Corps d’Afrique