Letter from James to Mother, June 26, 1864#

Boca del Rio, Texas

June 26th 1864

Dear Mother,

I received two letters by the last mail and lots of papers. I have been paid off and sent home $200 by Adams Express. I have kept some money by me as it is uncertain when we will be paid again. It is unpleasant and very inconvenient to be stationed so near Mexico for some reasons, especially if you have an occasion to buy anything. They charge 100 percent for Greenbacks. If the price of a pair of boots for instance is $8.00 in silver it will be $16.00 in Greenbacks. In fact the store keepers across the river either at Matamoras or Bagdad, or Villa de Contina as it is now called, when a customer asks the price of anything, always say Greenbacks or hard money. If a man was so disposed he could buy silver in New York and could bring it out here and buy Greenbacks with it, with advantage, what few things I have to buy. I generally procure off the sutlers at tolerable, reasonable rates. I bought a Revolver Colt Paten the other day for $30.00. He would rather have had $15.00 in hard money for it but I had none. It was considered cheap. I can sell it at anytime across the River for $20.00 silver. I am glad that Will is succeeding so well in business. The last letter I had from him he had been open about one week and was paying expenses at any rate, that is I should judge so; he thought he could make 20 percent profit. I don’t know what rent he is paying, I have been so long from home. I suppose there has been considerable change in the price of property; I don’t suppose he is paying more than $12 a month. It ought to be a good place for business; it is a stand that can command all the South side business. There is nothing new in this Department. Last week the First and Second Texas Calvary left for Louisiana leaving us without much Calvary. I suppose they will mount same of the Infantry. I believe I mentioned in my last that Dempsey was not likely to come back. We have received no Official information yet of his resignation or of his having been dismissed, the service which he ought to have been months ago. He has charge of some plantation I believe; that is when he is not drunk or gambling. Gambling is the universal vice, all through Mexico it is a national

game. Protected by law, everyone seems to gamble, little children, old women, everybody takes a hand and sometimes win a great deal of money but of course the percentage is always in favor of the Banker. My Lieutenant has sent home $700.00 which he has won at different times within the last three months as fast as he wins he sends it home so that he won’t lose it again. But it seems to me a great deal like stealing, taking a man’s money in that manner. There will always be a curse on the money, gained by gambling, the possessor of it cannot prosper.

A Mrs. Perry, wife of Captain Perry, stationed at this place, and a native of Albany, New York, expects to return home soon and will stop a few days in Brooklyn where she has friends. She has your address and will call upon you; she has been very kind to me and you will find her a perfect Lady. Her husband has been connected with the Army (he was formally a Major in New York Regiment) since the war. She has accompanied him in his Company through Virginia. She will give you an account of the country and an idea of how things are done out here, though I suppose Ira Whitman has posted you up. I have written to him and to Enders much soldiering or much loafing does not seem to have improved my writing and I am not sure it has improved my style of composition. We have evacuated the coast above us, Corpus Christi, Madagorda Bay; they have been sending the troops to Louisiana. The First and Second Texas Calvary have left Brownsville for New Orleans and it has left us rather exposed, but they will probably mount some Infantry. Two Company of the First Texas Calvary, were surprised and attacked three days ago, about 40 miles above Brownsville and cut all to pieces, only 8 got out alive and they swam the River into Mexico and so got down to Brownsville. Our boys were all asleep and they rode out Camp cutting and shooting Brashear City style. I think the story is exaggerated, it is said we killed Bennevetus in the fight and he and Lord together have a force up the River about Padras Negras. It is said to have about 1200 men with him, old Rangers, and Indian fighters, but there are troops enough at Brownsville to take care of him; and he can’t get at us very well without running the risk of being cut off, so we don’t apprehend any difficulty with him.

We are anxiously waiting news from Grant’s Army. The troops in this Corps, the old 13th, have the utmost confidence in him. They fought under him at Vicksburg and think he can’t be beat.

So John has left the Dr.’s, it was a good move I think, as the Doc is not the most pleasant man to work for in the world and he is such a little picayune sort of fellow both mentally and physically.

I enjoy good health and am getting decidedly heavy. I weigh 155 lbs; there is no chance of getting my picture taken at present. I will go to Matamoras again in about a month, when they expect an artist from New Orleans. Then I will send you my picture, moustache and all. (I am cultivating one.) I am not tanned much as I don’t have much occasion to get out in the sun. I shall try hard to get out of the service this fall, but I have not the most sanguine hopes. Several resignations have been sent by Officers in our Regiments, but have been sent back disapproved. I should like to get home by the first of October. I shall have money enough by that time to answer my purpose I hope. I went to a fandango, or Mexican ball, about a week ago, I ain’t much on the dance though I can’t talk the language very fluently yet. Give my respects to all inquiring friends.

Direct to 87 U.S.I. (colored)

James D. Wade

1st Lieut. Commd. IF Company