Letter from Willie to James, December 27, 1863#

Williamsburgh, Dec. 27th ‘63

Dear James,

We have just received three letters from you all together. The folks have been waiting some time to hear from you. I kept telling them that you were all sound but you had better write often to keep them frosted. I expect that you were just as anxious for a letter from home. Well, you were not disappointed and there are a pile coming after it so you will not want for letters. I see by your letter that you are healthy and still come up to time when the rations call beats. I tell the folks what a big fellow you are. Such a hoarse throat; you say the water is scarce – only one canteen full a day – that is bad. I don’t see how you cook your rations but I suppose there is plenty of beef which you can broil. It must be fun walking about in the sand. How did you like your little walk up to Clarksville with your command? I see you have got the letter I wrote after reaching the Burgh. I have not told you the particulars of how I accomplished that little stroke of fortune of getting home. You remember how I told you I would make an attempt to go with the nine months men. In a day or two after you left, the steamer came up for the men. We did not know ‘till the last whether we were to be kept or not. The day before the arms were taken all away from us and given to the conscripts, so of course we all thought we were going home. I thought it was a trick so I formed my plan accordingly. Early in the morning I managed to smuggle aboard the steamer and stow myself away in the lower part of the ship and kept myself as snug as a bug till we got started. Then, to the surprise of everyone, Wade stepped forth. George Fanjoy managed to get aboard with A Co. as there were no three-year men in that company. He had on your big straw hat which you left in camp. He also had a cane, imitating a countryman, and passed right before Morgan’s eyes without being recognized. They did not pick out the three-years men until they got to the boat, which made the disappointment so much the greater. I was stowed for seven hours and one time Morgan was right near me but after a while we got started. I did not know Fanjoy was aboard till the second day when Barry let me know where he was. I kept myself pretty close during the passage. We stayed one day in New Orleans, took on some prisoners at Ship Island, and took them to Dry Tortugas. Made the run to New York in 11 days. I tried to get Dave Wentworth off but he could not seem to manage it. I then went to work to get my discharge and paid off. Your name was put on the mustering role as

being promoted to a Captain. I brought your straw hat home, also your shells, which Mother highly appreciated. You speak about the fair village of the plain of the Methodist Church. I had the pleasure of being up there last Sunday. I saw all the girls, especially your stout alto singer. She was waiting for me after church to inquire after you. She invited me home to dinner, which I accepted. She told me what piles of mail she had sent you and got so few from you. The last she got from you was dated sometime in September. She looks about the same as ever. I had some singing there and had a very nice time. Abe is on Riker’s Island. He got a commission and expects to go south in a few days. Mary Kilburn wishes to be remembered, also Julia Chisire and others. I had a good sing in the church. Mr. Sands is just as earnest as ever. They are holding protracted meetings there now which are pretty well attended. By the by, there is a company of the Invalid Corps out there who try to shine among the girls but nothing like the Ironsides after all. We received the letter for Mr. Coombs and he read a part of it to the school and spoke about you as a teacher and how you appreciated a drink of water. War news is rather dull just now and I expect the troops will go into winter quarters. Our army has done splendidly this summer. The draft is now coming on the fifth of January which will be a pretty good sweep and there is every indication that the government means to settle the war in another campaign.

Don’t get discouraged, live easy, take things loose and careless. Christmas has just passed. I went over to New York to Barnum’s with John. I made 12 shillings Christmas Eve helping Uncle Joe in his store. Totten and Armstrong I believe are home. I suppose you remember the big tin cup you had on Ship Island; well, I brought it home with me.

Give my respects to all the boys.

I am well as usual, also the folks.

I have sent quite a number of papers.

William Wade