Letters on Brothers at the Front

Letter from Willie to Parents, July 27, 1862

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Letter from Willie to Parents, July 27, 1862

Fort McHenry, Sunday 27th [1862]

Dear Parents,

It is Sunday Morning and I have a pass to go to Baltimore, so before I go I will sit down and write my letter. We received Ma’s & John Durlyn’s letters. From what you say it must be getting hard times in the city; it is just the same in Baltimore. Change is very scarce. The men take advantage of it when they go to Baltimore, for they collect the fare on board the boat and they have no change for bills, so the men get over for nothing. One of the men yesterday went over on the ferry, got shaved, and got his dinner before he got a dollar bill changed.

Letter from James to Parents, August 8, 1862

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Letter from James to Parents, August 8, 1862

Baltimore, Ft. McHenry

Aug 8th 1862

Dear Parents,

The long expected but ever welcome Paymaster made his appearance this morning with his money bags. You may be sure that the boys were very prompt in falling into line for pay. Each private received $15.16. The Sergeants each received $19.80, with the exception of the 1st Sergeant who got $14.00 more. Willie has not received his extra pay yet but expects to soon. This is one month’s pay but no one can say how much we will receive for the next two months’ pay now nearly due. The Quartermaster has kindly offered to send our money home for us.

Letter from James to Parents, August 10, 1862

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

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.

Partial letter from Willie to Parents, October 26, 1862

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Partial letter from Willie to Parents, October 26, 1862

Sunday, Oct 26, 1862

Dear Father, Mother

It is Sunday. I have just eaten my rations. It is a very dismal day. I have been down to church this morning and had a first-rate sing and a good sermon. There were about 100 of us who went down to church in charge of one of the sergeants. We were divided among the different churches. There is no Baptist Church here; most of us go to the Methodist Church. There are also Dutch Reformed, Presbyterian, Episcopal, and Catholic churches. We got pretty wet going to church but I felt gay after leaving such a good sing. A few of us shone in the choir. A young man and myself went down to class meeting last Tuesday and had a very good meeting; most every one spoke. We are to have a prayer meeting in camp this week. It was given out in church in Jamaica this morning. The Regiment is filling up slowly. Our Co. is very nearly full. They talk of consolidating the other Companies.

Letter from Willie to Parents, March 4, 1863

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Letter from Willie to Parents, March 4, 1863

March 4th 1863

Terre Bonnet

Dear Mother,

I now have an opportunity of again writing home. When I last wrote we had just reach New Orleans. We where taken up about 3 or 4 miles above the city and encamped about a mile from the river. It was very wet there as it is all over here, which causes so many fevers. There are Regiments scattered all along the river. George Fanjoy and I went all over the country for 5 or 6 miles. We saw two or three Jamaica Boys in the Duryee’s Zoauves. We were encamped here about 8 days when we received orders to march – anything for a change. Everything was in excitement. We could not find out when we were going. Most all day they were carting away the baggage. At last we got orders to sling knapsacks and march down to the river by Companies. We men got first-rate rifles, and forty rounds of cartridges. We were marched onto the boat at sundown Saturday. George and I went up on the upper decks, spread our blankets, and went to sleep. When we woke up we found ourselves at Algiers, a town opposite New Orleans. On the dock their happened to be a lot of Molasses, which we began to help ourselves to; it was just like honey. We got on the cars at last. By the way, the cars were not passenger cars but a freight train. The men piled in and sat all over the floor. As for George and I, we took the roof and rode there 25 miles. When we stopped for wood, I shifted for warmer quarters, so we piled up onto the wood cars. Climbed down, went to sleep. We made a first rate bed and lay there snug as a bug in a rug. When we woke up the cars had stopped. there we found that what we were going to do was to guard the railroad. We let out Companies at different places. we went about 4 miles further and encamped. we have two picket posts in different directions. I am on picket-duty now as I write, about a mile and a half from the camp. I stop all persons white or black that do not have a pass. It would be a little more exciting if there were Rebels on our front, but there are none less then 25 miles away, except for some Bushwhackers. We could hear our

Letter from Willie to Parents, March 13, 1863

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Letter from Willie to Parents, March 13, 1863

Terri Bonnie.

March 13th 1863

Dear Mother,

I have just come off of Guard and since I was excused from drill, I will write home. I wrote a letter a week ago which I intended to send with James’ letter but he sent it while I was on picket, so I will enclose it in this. There is nothing new here at present. Two of our Companies went up to Boneblack Bay this week; another Co went today to guard a plantation to keep the Niggers at work and guard the sugar. It is getting pretty warm here and the mosquitoes are getting so thick that we can hardly sleep. The boys get them out by blowing off blank cartridges which makes them skedaddle quickly enough; then we wrap our heads up and go to sleep. They are all secessionists about here, although they have taken the Oath of Allegiance, yet are Rebels at heart. The men don’t like it because they have to guard Rebel property at the Station, but then we generally take our lot out of the eggs and sugar and any thing else on the platforms. We have plenty of molasses and sugar. There is any quantity of Colored folks about who have run away from their masters. They work for the government and with different Regts . We have two or three in our Company keeping the street clean and working in the cook-house. We don’t hear much about our Army at Vicksburg but we understand that there is to be a strike there before long. We don’t hear any news from Charlestown. James and I are getting so sunburned that you would hardly know us, as we got our hair cut short just as we got here. There are very few sick and they are getting along very well. We have not heard from home since we landed but I expect the next steamer will have the letters for us. It is astonishing what a quantity of sugar-cane has been destroyed. Miles and miles of it stands rotting in the field. Great quantities of it have been burned. Then there are great quantities of sweet potatoes here. I was out digging some the other morning; I got my haversack full. There is no fresh meat to be had; we are fed on salt meat together with beans. The men are pretty well contented but they would be more so if

Letter from Willie to Family, June 4, 1863

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Letter from Willie to Family, June 4, 1863

Brashear City, June 4th [1863]

Dear Father, Mother, Brothers.

I have just received three letters from you and very glad to hear that you are all well and that Durlyn is promoted. We are both well. In fact, we have not lost a man since we have been out – that is our Company. Co. A has lost seven or eight men. But now to business. Our Regiment has been in action and we have done something for our country. It was like this. Our Regiment was ordered to Brashear City to hold the place while Banks crossed over to Port Hudson. We advanced across the Bay (Berwicks) about four miles, then reversed four or five days, but had to cross over again. Nothing happened for a day or two, but then the Rebs advanced opposite us about 10 o’clock, the Negroes running for dear life. Well, they advanced and fired at the Hospital. Our picket commenced to fire at them. Then a battery of artillery got to work on them, the shells making things lively. The Provost Guard, of which James is a member, advanced across the bay, the Rebs giving them a volley as they landed. They were soon in line of battle and advanced up the road, the Rebels retreating. Up the road, the 23rd Connecticut then crossed and both advancing up the road held the arsenal in which were 40 thousand rounds. They held the place all day and came across at night. While this was going on, eight picked men were sent to ascertain whether the Rebels were coming up the Bayou Boeuf. I was one of the eight. We were mounted on splendid horses and went near the Grand Lake. Everything was quiet, so we returned. We rode about 30 miles. When we got back the battery commenced to throw shells across the Rebels laughing at us. Every time we would fire, we would holler, “How do you like that?” They would say, “You can’t make it too warm for us!” There were two guns of the 21st Indiana battery, one 12-pound howitzer, and the 6-gun battery at work. We did not hear any more of the Rebs that night. The next morning our Regiment prepared to drive them out. We got on the boat and sailed across. There were about 50 mounted as cavalry. We landed the mounted advance up the road and deployed through the woods, the Rebs retreating

Letter from Willie to Mother, June 12 & 13, 1863

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Letter from Willie to Mother, June 12 & 13, 1863

Brashear City, June 12th [1863]

Dear Mother,

I will now commence this letter. Our time is so occupied that we have little time for letter writing. Then it is so hot that it keeps us in fitters all the time. I received a letter from John yesterday – all well. I am glad to hear that you all keep your health. James and I are enjoying good health and getting black as you please. There is a great deal of excitement here all the time. This is about the routine of the day first. Reveille at half past four, breakfast at six o’clock, drill from 6 to 8, dinner at 12, drill from 4 to six, Tatoo at 9. But then the drills will all be stopped in a week or so as it is getting so hot. For the last week we have been on the move every night as we expect an attack here. One night we got on the cars and went down to Bayou Boeuf expecting an attack in the rear and every night since we have walked down to the railroad about 10 o’clock and slept on top of the cars, ready for any emergency. Then we have been shelling them most every day. There have been some reinforcements sent to us and two pieces of artillery. A flag of truce appeared yesterday. We sent a boat over and brought over some paroled prisoners. Our shelling is very effective. I saw a shell strike about 20 feet behind a horseman the other day. It would make you laugh to have seen him jump. I guess the horse is running yet. The flies bother us by day and the mosquitoes by night.

Letter from James to Parents, July 6, 1863

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Letter from James to Parents, July 6, 1863

In the Belleville Iron Works

Algiers Opposite

New Orleans

July 6th 1863

Dear Parents,

I have so much to write about. I hardly know where to begin, so I will pitch right into the subject at once. The Regt., or a portion of it at least, have had a battle with the Rebels and have licked them splendidly. The larger portion of the Regt. under the command of Major Morgan were stationed at Lafourche Crossing together with some Connecticut troops – about 700 altogether, I should suppose from what I hear, as I was not there myself. The Rebs attacked this place with about 500 Texans, the very best troops they could raise, armed with rifles, revolvers, and Bowie knifes, bound to take the place or die. Well, they did not take it. It was a most desperate fight. They rushed right over the entrenchments at our boys, shooting right and left with their revolvers, but they soon rushed back again. Those that got in our works never left them alive; our boys ran them through with bayonets. The fight lasted about an hour when the Rebels had to run for it, leaving half of their number on the field, dead or wounded. Our loss was very small, considering Harry Barton and Simmons were shot dead at the first fire. Sgt. Evans was shot 3 times but is yet living. Will is all right. I have not seen him yet and the fight was about 3 weeks ago. He is with his Regt now, encamped at New Orleans. I will try to get over to see him tomorrow. Now a word about myself. I was doing duty at Brashear City with about 140 of our Regt. Brashear City has been a convalescence camp and there were about 800 sick with muskets the only available force fit for fighting, besides our Regt. and a Co. of Indiana battery with 3 large 24 pounders. Well, the Rebs attacked us with artillery and infantry about 3 o’clock in the morning of the 23rd of June and in half an hour we were all prisoners. It was a complete surprise. The officers made no disposition of the men to defend the place. The Provost Guard, of which I had the honor of being a member, made a good fight. Five out of twelve of us were shot. I

Letter from James to Mother, September 1, 1863

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Letter from James to Mother, September 1, 1863

I have not got the papers and other good things; I think they must

have been sent to Will and to camp. The money I appropriated now.

New Orleans, Sept. 1st 1863

Dear Mother,

I received two welcome letters from home today. I am glad to hear that all are doing well and prospering at home. Your hopes and expectations to our coming home soon are, I am sorry to say, doomed to be blasted, as has been decided upon by the officials here to keep the three year men, among which are Will and myself, the time of the nine months. Men in our Regiment will be out on the 10th of October when they will be sent home. There is a rare possibility of them not keeping the three year men on account of there being so few of them. We will know for certain in a month. I believe it is the design of the Major, after sending home the nine month men, to fill out the Regiment with drafted men. I, myself, will soon dissolve all connection with the Regiment; that is, I have a pretty good prospect – the case stands this way: And to make it short and sweet I am going to be a Captain or Lieutenant, I don’t know which yet, in a Negro Regiment, the 16th Corps d’Afrique. I have a pretty fair prospect of success. I have just returned from a recruiting expedition up the country, when two months ago I was a miserable prisoner. It would have done you good to see me bully the planters. I got out at Terre Bonne Station and went into the first plantation and demanded a good horse and saddle, and wanted it in a hurry too. The Planter, one Overseer, and two sons all came in a body to expostulate and argue the point with me. I remembered my suffering some two months previous in the country and got wroth and told them I did not want any argument, just a horse and saddle and that very sudden too. I said to a nig – there was about a dozen standing around showing their ivories, stretching their mouths from ear to ear – saddle up the best horse on the place and bring him to me. I mounted my steed and then commenced to review them. Then there was a row; the Planter thought, as a high handed proceeding, taking his hands from him that had cost him so much money from 700 to a thousand dollars a piece, but I had my papers from the General and they had to submit. The military is all powerful here, what they say is law and the command of a soldier has to be obeyed, providing of course, it is in conformity with General orders. Fifty men constitute a company of Black soldiers, and myself with two others stand a fair chance of raising, in which case I intend going as a Captain it is the only alternative to serve two years as a Private, or get a commission, when after awhile I can probably resign. The pay is something over $100 a month and I would like to make enough to send me through college if possible as well as support the family. I am having a first rate time. At present, I have furnished rooms at 170 Commandelett Street, New Orleans, where in the future you may direct my letters. Direct them for the present, until you hear further from me, to Lieut. J.S. Wade, and please have the envelope directed in as neat a manner as possible, as there is a great deal in outside show here. When I get my uniform I will have my picture taken and sent to you. I intend to have my company full this month if possible. I wish you would let me know how much money there is in my account, in the point I suppose, of course, you have used considerable for the support of the family. Give me correct balance so that I can see how I stand and also send by Adams Express or mail, I don’t care much of which, twenty-five dollars. I think Adams Express is the safest. Direct it the same as the letters, I have on hand now twenty dollars and then the pay for the months of July, August, and September at thirteen per month, thirty-nine dollars more with the twenty-five dollars you will send me, will get me my uniform and support me for awhile. As soon as my Company is full and mustered in my pay as a Lieutenant or Captain commences, although it will be two months after the date of my commission before I can get my money, as they only pay every two months, I apprehend we will have very little to do in the way of fighting. The country is swarming with our troops, they are forming Negro Regiments in every direction and they expect the conscripts to begin to come in soon; when what Rebels are left in the country will be swept before our victorious columns. We seem to be beating them at every front, the fall of Vicksburg was a terrible blow to them in this section of the country, they felt it very much. It is gall and wormwood to the Rebels to see our transports passing to and fro on the Mississippi loaded with troops. We have about twenty-five thousand of General Grant’s men in and around the city resting from the toils of war. They are having a good time of it, while their General is planning another campaign for them. I received a letter from Cousin Louise, she feels very bad about the loss of her brother. He died at Vicksburg on the afternoon of the Fourth of July, that ever-to-be-remembered day on which Vicksburg fell. I am drilling a Company of negroes that will revenge his death, if the have a fair chance. They complain of not having read a letter from you for some time. I have not seen Will for two weeks; he won’t like the idea of keeping the three-year men. He said he is going home, but don’t waste any anxiety on me; I am still alright, only send along the twenty-five dollars. Give my respects to all inquiring friends. The next time you see me it will be in a Captain’s uniform. I would like to hear from Father. I hope his health is good, tell him not to worry; I will send piles of green-backs home after awhile. John writes good letters but he makes his letters so loud, so large; I mean he uses a great deal of paper and not much writing on it. The rebels here are in hopes of keeping the war along until the next Presidential Elections when they imagine there will be a reaction in the North, but I think they will be finished up before that time. That is if we will only enforce the draft, everything depends on that our armies must be filled up.

Letter from Willie, September 4, 1863

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Letter from Willie, September 4, 1863

Bonnet Carre, Sept. 4th

I have just received a letter from you. It was encouraging to know that you were well. It came about 8 o’clock at night. I was standing at the cookhouse talking about the prospects of the Regiment when one of the men came up and said there was a letter for me. Of course, everything was brought to a hasty conclusion. I went to my tent, lit my candle open, and read my letter from home and thought over what you all were doing at that time. after reading it over two or three times, I blew out the light and lay on my bunk to dream of home. George Fanjoy was on guard but he soon came in. He had received two or three letters. We talked about home and how the Major was trying to hold us, until nearly 12 o’clock, when George went back on guard and I went to sleep.

Letter from Willie to Mother, September 21, 1863

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Letter from Willie to Mother, September 21, 1863

Bonnet Carre, Sep. 21st 1863

Dear Mother,

Having nothing better to do, I will write to you. In the first place, I am enjoying the best of health and the time is past of when we thought our time was out but then we were confident that our time was not out till the 10th of October, dating from the Colonel’s commission. The men are generally in good health and spirits but are anxious for the start homeward bound. I am taking things easy, have plenty of good food, and we have got a baseball from New Orleans so that we have a good game once in a while. We have got two picked nines of it from the Regiment. I am captain of ours. We had a match the other day and we were beat pretty bad but I am making every effort to get my nine in condition to play the return game. There has been quite a change in the weather. It is now quite pleasant and the evenings very cold. The overcoats come in play again. It puts us in mind of Jamaica. James is in New Orleans doing very well. I believe the mail got in two or three days ago but no letters for me but receive two papers. I saw a few drafted that I was acquainted with. I expect if I was home I would be unlucky enough to get drafted. I think the best way to keep out of this war is to go see the Mormons. It looks as if we are to have war for years as France is poking her nose in. There is a large army moved from here. They think it has gone to Texas to keep the French Army out. It looks as if we were to have lively times. If France should interfere I think it would bring on a universal war, as England would take that time to pay up old scores and Russia having France out of the way would put in effect her long cherished scheme of taking Turkey. And she being a firm ally of the United States would do all in her power to cripple the French nation, it being her best policy, as she is afraid to act while France is in power. France had better look out for her doom is sealed. George Fanjoy has gone to New Orleans. We have not heard whether we are to stay two years more or not – we have not heard

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

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

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,

Letter from James to Mother, October 15, 1863

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Letter from James to Mother, October 15, 1863

New Orleans, Oct. 15th 1863

Dear Mother,

I received Father and John’s letter in one envelope this morning. I have been up to camp for several days and saw Will; when I left he was writing home. The men seem somewhat hopeful and anxiously looking for transportation. The three year question is not settled but I think it looks more favorable for me than it has done. The Major is now in the City making arrangements with the L. M. General about our transportation on North as the matter stands now, without some other order should come, the men will all come to New York together and then the question will be rested. I have not committed myself to the 16 Corps d’Afrique as yet; they have no hold on me. I still belong to the 176th NY. I would give considerable if I could only foresee this final result of this matter. A commission in this Department would be no inducement for me to stay, providing I could go home with an honorable discharge. I have an idea that it will finally turn out all right. I lay in my bunk at night and think of home. I picture to myself the different members of the family, how they look and what they are doing. It is the suspense, the uncertainty which worries a fellow, so it is not because I am so awful homesick. Although there is a great deal at stake as by accepting the Commission I find myself again, I am as plucky as ever and full of grit and if I have to soldier two or three years more in this department, all right; but if it is home, so much the better! So I will try and be content any way. The only thing we fear now is an order coming to camp to pick out the men and send the nine months men home, but as they have no orders in this Department that will hold us, as our papers and books were all lost at Brashear City. I think we are pretty safe. I suppose we will start the last of this month for home then add two weeks to that which will bring it to the middle of November, at which time we will be home again. And I should conclude to go home with the Regiment; you will have a chance to look at your hopeful once more. I have not changed much in appearance; I have the same smooth face, while Will is larger and stouter than ever with side whiskers and an old

Letter from James to Mother, October 19, 1863

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

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

Letter from Willie to Parents, October 22 & 25, 1863

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Letter from Willie to Parents, October 22 & 25, 1863

Bonnet Carre, Oct 22, 1863

Dear Parents,

I have been on picket for three days and came in yesterday. While on picket George Fanjoy came out to see me, bringing three letters, two from you and one from Jamaica. Your first letter speaks of your going to Riker’s Island to see Curner and it was very near certain of the conscripts coming. You speak of the conversation you had with Capt. Howe. I expect that those women that were with you must have given him a good talking to. You say he tries to exonerate the officers of the Regiment in the three-year affair. I don’t think the government would have known that there were any three-year men in the Regiment if the officers did not take particular pains to let them know it. Well, it is very evident that the conscripts are coming but I don’t think the Major has received any orders to hold the three-year men. Your note of the Ninth saying the Major was to receive a letter which would be the means of my discharge was received on the same mail as soon as I came in from picket. I went to see him. He said he had received the letter from Mark Hoit requesting the discharges of James and myself. He said the power did not lay with him of giving discharges. I had a long talk with him. He said he would do all he could for me. He said I had always done my duty as a soldier and a gentleman. I then began to tell him of my wrongs and gave him some pretty strong talk. I finally worked on his sympathies which induced him finally to offer me a commission. He smiled and looked in my face thinking he had struck the nail on the head. I took the offer very indifferently. I thought it the best policy and told him I would think about it. Now what do you think of that – jumping all the corporals and sergeants – to be a commissioned officer when I stand a good chance of leaving the service at any time? Bully for me! I know it would be all right. I will get the best of them yet. Mother in her letter was very sanguine about our coming home. I knew it was not so easy getting out of the service. Things look certain ahead and if it comes to the worst I will accept the commission. He intends to put the conscripts through a heavy drill of six

Special Orders No. 273, November 13, 1863

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Special Orders No. 273, November 13, 1863

Head Quarters, Dep’t. of the Gulf — Brownsville, Texas, Nov 13th 1863

Special Orders

No. 273

{Extract}

The following named enlisted men are hereby honorably discharged from service, to enable them to accept promotion, from the date set opposite their names.

Private James D. Wade. Company “B” 176th New York Vols. Oct. 24th 1863.

By Command of Major General Banks

Augustus W. Secton, Jr.

Letter from James to Parents, November 20 & 26, 1863

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Letter from James to Parents, November 20 & 26, 1863

Point Isabel near the mouth of the Rio Grande River, Texas — Nov. 20, 1863

Dear Parents,

I have written one letter since the arrival at this place and once on board ship while coming, so I suppose you know about where I am, which is considerable to know, considering how I travel about. I wrote once to Will, directing to Bonnet Carre but have not had a letter yet from him, nor from home either. I suppose there is a large mail in New Orleans for our Regiment, which we expect to get in a few days. The last letter I wrote you we were encamped on Brazos Santiago Island, and expected to move over to the mainland to a point called Isabel. A few days after writing that letter, four Companies of us under the command of Major Tobey were ordered to report to that place; we started in high glee, myself in command of Company T, there being no Captain or 2nd Lieutenant. I have all the work to do, usually the writing of the Company falls on the Orderly Sergeant, but as my Sergeant can neither read nor write, I have it all to do until they send us some more officers. Well, we reached there and instead of finding a pleasant place with plenty of beef and chicken and water, we found nothing but sandy, sterile soil, so impregnated with salt, that nothing in the shape of fresh water can be found. We dug about twelve feet deep in several places but found only salt water. No vegetation except a spree of sage brush scattered in patches over the sandy soil; so we had to start out teams to the river for water which is fifteen miles from here and yet could get but a small allowance for each man.

Letter from Mother to James (appended to Willie’s letter), December 27, 1863

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Letter from Mother to James (appended to Willie’s letter), December 27, 1863

Saturday Night, Dec 27th 1863

Dear James,

We received two letters for us and one for Mr. Coombs yesterday. I tell you they were to us like water to a thirsty man. We were anxious that you should know that Willie was home. Enders has written to you. He called to see if we had heard from you. It was through him that Willie’s and George’s names were among the nine-months men. He took charge of the Co. and made out the mustering papers after they got to New York. Lieut. Stevenson made out DeGraw’s papers. DeGraw left for the west a day or two after he got home. We expected to hear from Morgan but not a word. The day they left Bony Caree they were all marched down to the boat and then the separation took place. Their names were called. The three-year men were put into the battery by the river. The others went aboard the vessel. They called Willie’s name three times but did not get an answer. Morgan said he is gone to N.O. The men that were kept wept like children. We hear that Morgan has lost his position and that Captain Barber that came on with the men is to be Colonel. Oh, what a rush the teachers made Sunday after school to inquire after you. Mr. Coombs had read your letter to the school. Miss Berks had a friend on the Nassau at the time of the wreck. His name is Wm. Small. He is from Wisconsin, a Baptist minister’s son. He was kicked by a horse while throwing them overboard. If you remember him, send word. May God watch over you for good is the prayer of your Parents.

Letter from Willie to James, December 27, 1863

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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

Letter from James to Adams Express, January 15, 1864

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Letter from James to Adams Express, January 15, 1864

Point Isabel, Texas — January 15th 1864

To the Agent of Adams Express at New Orleans, La.

Sir,

I received official notice of their being a box of mine at your office. I wrote to you requesting you to forward it to my address, but I have not seen the box yet. You will confer a favor by sending it by the Purser of the Steamer Crescent, or the Clinton, or any of the steamers running to this Point.

Letter from James to Mother, January 17, 1864

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Letter from James to Mother, January 17, 1864

Point Isabel, Texas — January 17, 1864

Dear Mother,

In my last letter I informed you that the Paymaster had made his appearance and as an evidence of it I enclose a ten dollar bill. I have no time today to write any more but will write in a few days. An Agent of Adams Express is here and will leave in an hour. I will send $190.00 by him, making $200, which Pa will put in the Bank to my account. You will take out and keep for your own use five dollars a week hereafter, commencing from the 1st day of January 1864.

Letter from James to Parents, January 18, 1864

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Letter from James to Parents, January 18, 1864

No. 6 from Texas — Point Isabel, Texas — January 18th 1864

Dear Parents,

I suppose before this reaches you, you will have received the money $190.00 I sent by Adams Express and $10 in a letter making, in all $200, quite a little pile. As I write this, I cannot help but think how pleased when the Express man hands you the big envelope filled with green backs, three fifty dollar bills and a roll of small bills. I find soldiering quite endurable, in fact quite pleasant, when I think every time I go to bed I have earned four dollars, that being about the pay per day. It is divided in this manner, 50 dollars a month, then 4 rations a day at 30cts, 35 dollars a month, then if I have a servant 10 dollars a month more and then 10 dollars a month for being in command of the Company and then commutation money, whatever that means, at any rate, 1st Lieutenant Comdg Company get his $120.00 per months, my pay amount to $256.63 and got paid in full up to the first of January and then $53.00 I got from the 176th Regiment, made me square with the Government up to the 1st of January with $309.63 in my pockets; I felt quite rich. I am going to try and save 100 dollars a month if possible. I will have to live very economically to do it. As an Officer has to keep up appearances and pay cash for everything he gets to eat and everything is enormously dear; butter for instance is worth 75cts a lb and other things in proportion. I had to pay $15.00 for a pair of boots in Brownsville. A few necessary articles of clothing which I had to get cost me $54.00. I have about $10 left which I think will last me until next pay day. I have not got the box yet but am in a fair way to get it soon. I have heard of it. It is as New Orleans but the Company has had no agent here until recently. I would like for you to take out $20.00 a month for the use of the family; that, with the board that Will and John will pay, I suppose will keep you comfortable. Only let me know how the account stands, that’s all. If Pa should need my money in business of any kind or think it advisable to invest in 5 $20 Government bonds, why don’t be at all backwards about using it, but sail in and win.

Letter from James to Parents, February 21, 1864

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Letter from James to Parents. February 21, 1864

Clarksville – or – Boca del Rio, Texas — February 21nd 1864

Dear Parents,

I received two letters from home, day before yesterday, and as I have leisure time today, I will write some letters and first on the list will be one to home. It is Sunday afternoon and the air is so balmy and pleasant and just warm enough to feel comfortable; and instead of tents, us Officers, are quartered in comfortable houses. We have been here 5 days and the men are very well satisfied with the change. We have had one Norther since we have been here, but it cleaned off very pleasant this morning. I was anxiously awaiting an answer from you, announcing the receipt of the intelligence of my having been paid off up to the 1st of January, so as soon as the Steamer was seen off the bar I detailed 4 men from my Company, got about and pulled out to the Steamer to get the mail. I soon had the pile of letters overhauled and was fortunate enough to get 5 letters for me and 3 papers. You made no mention of the fact of your having received the news of my being paid off or the receipt of the 10 dollar bill. Will fortunately mentioned it in his letter so my anxiety was removed, and this you probably have received from Adams Express the $190.00. I was glad to hear from Durlyn of his visit to Barnum’s. He seemed to enjoy his visit very much. I will try and be home by next fall if possible. I suppose you are aware that I mustered as 1st Lieutenant for 3 years, but you need not be uneasy; I do not intend to stay any 3 years you know. By next fall I will probably resign and may be sooner if things turn out right. I have a chance of making a little money now and I intend to improve it. Out of my salary of $120.00 per month I can save, say about, $80.00. It costs considerable to leave, keep a servant, cloth and feed him and to keep myself up to the standard of an Officer. So far as drill is concerned, my vision of making a little money at this place, outside of my pay, turns out to be a delusion and a snare. They have made this a sort of entry or stopping place for the teams going to and from Brownsville, Brajos Santiago and have sent two other Company here and a Captain from the Engineers as Commandant of the Post so he will pocket all the requisite I suppose. Now I shall expect you to make use of my money in getting furniture and clothes and making yourself comfortable in general. If Father should get to building again, or get into some business when he can use my money, why do so. Should he be successful in making money enough to keep the family comfortable without my pay, why, I will resign in the course of the Summer and come home, but I am not going to come home until I am satisfied we can keep up appearances and move in the circle of society in which we properly belong. Without so much pinching, you may wonder at my laying so much stress on this point, but it is indelibly impressed on my memory. The mental suffering I endured from the mere fact of knowing I was poor for six long weary years. I worked and suffered and endured insult from Dr. Barker because I was too poor to resent it or offend him. He knew I was depending on him and he took advantage of it. But things have changed; I am appreciated and treated as a soldier and a gentleman out here. What if I do see some hardship and trials, I can retain my own self respect. At home I was to prove, or at least Mother was, with all due respect to her, to let me associate with the poor and common class, and too poor to mingle with that class of people which through taste and from habit we belonged. That account for having so few associates among the young folks of the Burgh. I dearly love my home, it is in my thoughts by day and in my dreams at night and I look forward, hopefully and with much joy, to the time when I can once more walk the Street of my own, my own Nation City. I can appreciate the feeling of John because I have been there; the treatment of the Dr. is calculated to depress the manly and independent sentiments of a young man, I hardly know how to advise him. At any rate, he can now afford to assume a more independent attitude with regard to the Dr. From what I know of the Dr., he will treat John a great deal better if John gets him to understand that he is wholly independent of him. Rather than John leave him, he will treat him better I believe. I am glad John is practicing with the dumbbells, he ought to learn the manly art of self-defense (boxing), which I am. I can learn Will several new points about countering with the left, making terse lunges with the right,

Letter from James to Parents, April 13, 1864

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Letter from James to Parents, April 13, 1864

Boca del Rio, Texas — April 13th 1864

Dear Parents,

I received two letters by the last mail, also some papers and as I have some leisure time this afternoon I will write some letters, commencing with one from home. I am glad you are all prospering so well so long as Father can make money enough to support the family. I feel perfectly easy. I have a very good time of it, not much to do and plenty of time to do it in. It is rather warm but we have plenty of sea breeze and it is considered a healthy place. I have very good health and have had ever since I have been in the country. I expect to get paid about the 10th of next month up to the 1st of May at which time I shall have something over $400 coming to me, most of which I can send home. I have not been able to make anything outside of my salary as yet; I am very circumspect as to how I act. Three of us officers were offered $4,000 the other day by a party the other side of the river, which would have been over a thousand dollars a piece. The case was this – there is a great deal of cotton in Mexico, most of which has been run across the Rio Grande, as Eagle Pass is about 200 miles above the mouth of the river, they then team it down to Bagdad and lighten it out over the bar in small sloops and carried to the vessels waiting to receive it outside. It is well known, everybody knows that the cotton is contraband, but get it across the river into Mexico and it is safe. The other day a schooner with 80 bales of cotton was wrecked on our shore while attempting to get over the bar; the bales would average 500 lb to a bale. The owners of the cotton, Rebs that lived on the other side of the river, came across and offered us the above amount in hard cash, if we would let them alone. All they wanted us to do was only to remove the guard we had placed over it and quietly let them remove it during the night. It was a strong temptation, but what was the use, we would have been all cashiered and discharged from the service of the U.S., so we had to refuse it. The next day down came an agent, from Brownsville, who took charge of the cotton in the name of the Government, had it put on a Government train and hauled to Brownsville, to await

Special Order No. 78, April 15, 1864

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Special Order No. 78, April 15, 1864

Head Quarters 16th Regt. C.d’A. — Brazos Santiago, Texas — April 15 /64

Special Order

No.78

{Extract}

P-1 Company Commanders of A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, & K will turn over to the Commanding Officer of the 16th Infty C.d’A. all ordnance & ordnance property in your possession except such ammunition as will fit the Enfield Rifle Muskets. You will give & receive the proper receipts and invoices for the same.

Field Orders, April 22, 1864

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Field Orders, April 22, 1864

Head.Qrs. 16” Rgt, Inftry C.D.A. — Brazos Santiago, April 22d 1864

Lieut.,

The Major Comd’g requests that the names and number of men from your company on “Mounted Pickett” be immediately sent in, that proper details may be made for them.

You will report them “Absent on Detached Service.” Also those on the “Brig Scillea” to New Orleans.

Very Respectfully,

W.M Patrick

Lt & actg adjt

Letter from James to General N.P. Banks, May 24, 1864

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Letter from James to General N.P. Banks, May 24, 1864

Head Qts – U.S. Forces — Mouth of the Rio Grande — May 24th 1864

General,

I have the honor to make application for a Captains Commission for F Co – 87th U.S. Infantry – (C). There is no Captain in said Company, nor has there been since the organization of the Regt., having the command of the Company myself.

I am Genl Your

Letter from James to Mother, June 26, 1864

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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

Letter from James to Mother, September 3, 1864

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Letter from James to Mother, September 3, 1864

Boca Chica, Texas

Sept. 3rd 1864

Dear Mother,

The long looked for mail arrived this morning; I received one letter and five papers from home. There are some back letters on the way which I have not yet received. The letters contained the intelligence that you had received my money all right; it was about time as I sent it last June. The Government owes me four months pay now, they say they are short of funds at New Orleans. You may wonder why I don’t indulge in more talk (or writing) about the war; Patriots exterminating the Rebs and all that sort of thing. The fact of it is, it is not my style; that will do very well for newspaper correspondence, which is all right and proper to keep the public up to the fighting point, inducing them to come down with the money and men. You will remember I told you three months ago when Grant was taking for Richmond by the way of the Rapidan, that there would probably be another call for troops. I see by the papers that 500,000 men are to be got someway by September (this month). I suppose all this is old to you, you have indulged in hopes I see by your letters that this war will be ended soon. I do not think so though I do not think there will be another call for troops; the troops we will have in the field by November that they will gradually fall back but I do not hope for peace, yet maybe years longer this slaughter continues. What is the earnest wish of every soldier that I have spoken with, is that the U.S. may recruit or draft every Black man suitable for a soldier. They want more drill to make soldiers of them than White men do, but the great problem has been solved; they will make not as good as White men perhaps, but they will do. I am much pleased to se that they are forcing them into the army in all directions; give them six months hard drill, say about six hours a day, except Saturday and Sunday, and they will be ready in the Spring to run over the South. I received Will’s package of tea; it was just enough for tea for our mess of three, and I also got Will circular, it is got up in good taste. I am glad that the boys are getting along in the Store and I am in hopes that Father will keep his health. I suppose his business is dull now,

Letter from Capt. W.W. Bliss to James, October 4, 1864

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Letter from Capt. W.W. Bliss to James, October 4, 1864

Brazos Santiago Tex.

Oct 4th 1864

Lieut.

On examination, I find that the five sergeants of your old Company have no waist belts except the non-commissioned. – They say that they turned in their private belts – at the same time with their swords & sword belts. This will leave a deficiency of five waist belts & plates, two sword belts & plates, and seven gun slings, which the men evidently did not have at the time I took command of the company. As I shall probably have to turn over my Company property very soon, I shall have no opportunity of making good the discrepancy – and I cannot reasonably ask any man to receipt for stores that I can give no account of. I am perfectly willing to receipt for all the property which appears to have been in the hands of the men at the time I took command of them, or for all the articles on your invoice except the above named.

Transmittal Letter from James to Brig. General M.C. Meigs, October 7, 1864

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Transmittal Letter from James to Brig. General M.C. Meigs, October 7, 1864

Head Quarters F Co. 87 U.S.C. Infty.

Boca Chica, Texas

Oct. 7th 1864

Sir,

I have the honor to enclose my return of clothing, camp, and garrison equipage for the month of September 1864 in duplicate with one receipt for stores turned over to Capt. W.W. Bliss, 81 C.d.A., the two Regiments having been consolidated by order of Major Genl. Herron, Comd’g District of the Rio Grande, Texas.

Receipt to James D. Wade for Company Property, October 25, 1864

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Receipt to James D. Wade for Company Property, October 25, 1864

Brazos Santiago Texas

October 25 1864

I certify that to the best of my knowledge and belief Lieutenant J.D. Wade, 81 Regt U.S.C Infty, late 87 Regt U.S.C Infty, has turned over all Ordnance and Ordnance Stores and other Government property in his possession and has made all proper returns up to this date and that he has been on duty up to the 25th day of October 1864.